National City councilmembers and mayoral hopefuls Jose Rodriguez and Marcus Bush have turned the campaign into a debate over personal finances. Rodriguez accused Bush of mismanaging his own money and attempting to “line his pockets with public funds” after two city‑financed trips to transportation conferences.
Unreimbursed travel costs
City records show Bush traveled to public‑transportation conferences in 2024 and 2025 as National City’s representative on the Metropolitan Transportation System (MTS) board. The city initially covered $4,015 in travel expenses, expecting MTS to reimburse the amount. MTS did reimburse Bush, but the city never received the money back.
Emails obtained by Rodriguez’s campaign reveal that City Manager Doug Schulze asked Bush to repay the advance. Bush eventually offered an installment plan and, according to Schulze, has made two $250 payments – one in January and another in March – leaving roughly $3,500 still owed.
Foreclosure and traffic ticket
Rodriguez’s team also released documents showing Bush’s house was foreclosed last year after he and his wife fell behind on about $17,000 in mortgage payments and fees. A payment plan halted the foreclosure, and county records confirm the house is no longer in foreclosure.
In addition, Bush faces a $391 traffic ticket from September 25 of last year in Chula Vista for running a stop sign and using a cell phone while driving. The ticket was sent to collections after Bush missed a court appearance and failed to complete court‑ordered traffic school. Bush says he will pay the fine on an installment plan.
Candidate responses
Rodriguez said the financial issues raise questions about Bush’s ability to manage city resources, stating, “How can the public trust someone running for public office if they themselves are not accountable for a traffic ticket?” He added that the unreimbursed MTS costs went unnoticed for a year and a half despite knowledge by multiple city officials.
Bush defended himself, acknowledging his recent financial struggles. He explained that he quit his job as a project manager for an affordable‑home builder in 2024, making it difficult to balance full‑time work, council duties and family responsibilities. Bush said his family relied on food stamps and that he has since secured a new property‑management position, helping his finances stabilize.
“My lived experience is a part of my qualification for mayor,” Bush said. “My family, like many families in National City, has struggled financially for years. Getting away from the shame of financial struggle, it’s real.”
Mayor and council perspectives
Mayor Ron Morrison, who has endorsed Bush, said he was aware of the advance request for the MTS conferences and opposed it, fearing it could become messy. However, former City Manager Ben Martinez and former City Attorney Barry Schultz overruled him and approved the advance.
Morrison dismissed the accusations as political mud‑slinging, calling Rodriguez’s tactics “new desperation.” He said Bush’s financial difficulties do not disqualify him from leadership.
Campaign outlook
Rodriguez emphasized that financial responsibility is essential for city leadership, while Bush argued his personal challenges give him empathy for struggling families. Both candidates say the issue will remain a focal point as voters head to the polls in the final days of the race.
Original reporting: Voice of San Diego — read the source article.
