Tony Blain has violated nearly every ethical standard of political conduct, effectively destabilizing the relatively staid election process that Poway has long maintained. This betrayal of trust illustrates why he was rejected by the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Poway Firefighters, and the Republican Party.
An FPPC investigation brewing, a toxic management style, an unbelievable work performance record, and with questions of residency due to nearly $100K in unpaid child and spousal support, this scandalous mix is more than District 2 can stomach.
Far from securing a coveted City Council seat, his betrayal of purported principles on multiple levels has positioned Blain as a spoiler, paving the way for a high-density housing advocate and potentially allowing SB9 lot splits to affect nearly all of District 2.
Let’s take a moment to unpack this further.
Nearly two years ago, long before the local political cycle had even begun, Mr. Blain announced his intention to run for office—first for Mayor (until he realized that election was no longer open) and then for City Council. His ambitions were bold, including implementing illegal retroactive term limits and other ballot measures prohibited under California law.
Poway residents have consistently relied on the Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA), the Poway Firefighters Association (PFA), and the central committees of both major political parties to vet and endorse candidates capable of maintaining public safety and reflecting core community values. This scrutiny is vital, as politics often draws individuals driven by vanity, dishonesty, and self-interest.
Blain sought the endorsements of the DSA and PFA but both organizations conduct rigorous interviews to ensure that candidates understand their roles and responsibilities and align with public safety ideals. Blain was unequivocally rejected by both, as his lack of understanding and qualifications, coupled with a counterproductive mindset, made him a poor choice for Poway.
What did these organizations discover in their background checks that led to the rejections? It remained internal—until a deep dive into a lengthy FPPC case file reveals some of it here:
Allegations are swirling about the misuse of funds—donations from Poway residents meant for ballot measures being diverted elsewhere. Plus, questions of residency in D2 have arisen due to a potential court-ordered sale of his house to recoup nearly $100K in unpaid child and spousal support. It looks like the courts see him as a “Deadbeat Dad.” Can someone with such questionable financial management choices ever be trusted with Poway's purse strings?
(The list of allegations below are only snippets to save space)
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| Is there any evidence yet that Tony Blain has paid his child and spousal support? (Front page of relevant court document) |
If true, these allegations suggest that "ethics" is just a weapon for deflection, used to project personal failings onto others. Combine that with poor financial management and unpaid debts, and you have someone unfit to handle the purse strings.
Ironically, Poway was recently ranked as "The Top Place to Live in California" thanks in no small part to its Manager-Council form of government, where the City Manager plays a critical role in maintaining the city’s excellence. Yet Blain wants to get rid of him as soon as he's elected....
If you dare oppose Blain, or even try to help —but are not subservient enough— he wastes no time in silencing you—whether through social media, some other venues better left unmentioned or, perhaps more importantly, if you're of 𛲡𛲡𛲡 𛲡𛲡𛲡𛲡𛲡r 𛲡𛲡x — maybe best said as — if he feels he has some power over you.
His energy may be better spent addressing his own toxic management style, possibly illustrated by his recent struggles within his own profession, where reviews suggest he’s being fired by patients.
His final attempt to secure endorsement came from the Republican Central Committee, where he is nominally registered. The application process requires candidates sign a pledge not to support any non-endorsed candidate, if one fails to secure the committee's backing. This basic ethical standard, though low, serves as a safeguard against those motivated solely by personal ambition.
“I pledge that if the Party endorses another Republican candidate over me, I will honor the decision, suspend my campaign, and support the endorsed candidate. I understand that politics is a team effort.”
With his campaign continuing to falter, Blain violated that pledge, returning the disruptive endorsement of Carl DeMaio, who is running in opposition to the endorsed Republican and who, perhaps sharing in Mr. Blain's aspirations, is notorious for advocating the elimination of pensions for firefighters and law enforcement officers. A disastrous policy for Blain to promote in the Safest City in the San Diego County. Enabled by Blain, DeMaio has plunged the District 2 election into turmoil.
These betrayals did not go unnoticed, drawing direct condemnation from the Chairman of the local Republican Party, who publicly criticized people like this for their dishonesty, labeling them renegades—an indictment that raises serious questions about Blain's loyalty to anything beyond his own personal ambitions.
“...I say “rogue” because that candidate made a pledge to bow out of the race if the Republican Central Committee endorsed another candidate and now has failed to do so. We expect Republicans to be true to their word; he is not....”
—Corey Gustafson (Chairman, Republican Party of San Diego County)
Instead of achieving victory, Blain, an inviable candidate on all levels, has inadvertently cast himself as the ultimate spoiler. Beginning as a competitive race between two strong candidates and a distraction, it is now an internecine GOP conflict, with a newly minted Democrat waiting in the wings. And what was her price for abandoning the GOP and securing the Democrat endorsement?
Support for SB9, the controversial lot-splitting law, which threatens to bring high-density, low-income housing to District 2.
This November, the residents of Poway face a difficult decision: two opportunists—one extreme, the other less so—or a candidate who offers a steady, reliable hand.
