Edgy Interview: Scott Sherman
CERC proudly worked for Scott Sherman on all his campaigns. He was all about keeping things efficient during his time as a San Diego City Councilmember for District 7, from 2012 to 2020. With a background in the insurance industry, Scott brought a sharp, business-minded approach to city governance. He was a staunch advocate for fiscal conservatism—always pushing for pension reform, fighting against tax hikes, and streamlining city operations to cut through the red tape. Scott was also outspoken about housing affordability and homelessness, arguing that regulatory reforms were needed to boost the housing supply. Throughout his political career, his focus remained on promoting limited government and championing free-market principles. Scott’s also a fun guy to have around the poker table, and, as you’ll gather from this Edgy Interview, he and his lovely wife Norma are great game night hosts.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A fishing boat captain.
You’re passionate about fishing the kelp beds off Point Loma. Tell us about that.
I’m passionate about fishing period. I’ve fished since I was five years old. My father would take me out on the rental row boats in Mission Bay when I was young, fishing with my little push button Zebco rod and reel set up. I used to free dive for abalone, worked on the sportfishing boats as a teenager, fished and caught lobsters for years off my kayak and I have been a waterman as long as I can remember. I have saltwater in my veins; it’s just part of who I am.
Regale us with a fish tale.
I was fishing off the Coronado Islands with my good friend Steve (RIP) and I hooked into a large yellowtail that took me into the rocks. I worked this fish for quite a while, and it finally came out of the rocks only to have a sea lion grab the yellowtail and come to the surface with it. We were trying to get this sea lion to let go so I yelled at Steve to throw something at it. Steve looked around the boat and, for some reason, picked up a half full bottle of Jack Daniels. Steve threw it at the pinniped tomahawk-style and hit it right in the neck (this was before the Marine Mammal Protection Act). The sea lion dropped the yellowtail, and I was able to reel the fish to the boat just before the sea lion tried to grab it again. The best part was landing the 29-pound yellowtail and realizing that half full bottles of Jack Daniels float.
What’s the best professional advice you’ve received and who gave it to you?
My dad always told me to do what’s right and things will work out in the end.
Tell us about the point in your life when you realized your calling was politics?
I have never thought my calling was politics. I was just a business guy who wanted to take what I had learned from business into government to try and make it more efficient and responsive to its citizens. That was much more difficult to achieve than I had imagined. The bureaucracy in government is very resistant to change and efficiency is not their objective.
What is the one fiction book that influenced you most?
If you could go back in time, which former President would you like to chat with and what’s the topic?
If I could go back in time I’d love to talk to Ronald Reagan. I would try to find out his secret to being able to persuade people from both sides of the isle to follow and vote for him. Also, how he was able to communicate so effectively with the American people and get his detractors to respect him, if not agree with him.
If you could repeal one law, which would it be and why?
I would repeal the inheritance tax. It’s not fair for people to pay taxes on assets and income their entire life hoping to have something left over that they can pass on to family after they’re gone only to have the government tax the survivors. So many families have had to sell everything they inherited just to pay the government. Imagine working your entire life trying to build a nest egg for your family, only having to sell everything to pay the taxes. What makes the government entitled to the leftovers it’s already taxed multiple times?
What achievement are you proudest of during your term on the San Diego City Council?
I’m proud of a lot of things my team and I were able to accomplish at the city. The reforms we were able to accomplish in the housing arena and streamlining government services we achieved through my chairmanship of the Audit Committee. Leading the charge to run Bob Filner out of town during a tense time in San Diego was another big one. However, the thing I’m proudest of is the municipal skate park that was built in Linda Vista. That project was transformative for the Linda Vista community and was a great example of how — when you think outside the bureaucratic box — you can find ways to accomplish goals despite the first four or five “no’s” you hear. We wouldn’t take “no” for an answer and found creative ways to make the park happen. Now Linda Vista has the second largest municipal skate park in the country and is a destination for people from around the world.
What advice do you have for the GOP, local and national, moving forward?
The GOP needs to understand how to appeal to people’s emotions better. Republicans tend to look at issues from a cerebral context and not from an emotional one. However, most voters look at issues from an emotional point of view. We need to appeal to people’s hearts first and the minds will follow.
Which American from history do you identify with most and why?
Again, we are back to Ronald Reagan. He was able to effectively govern without making enemies of the opposition and was great at making you feel good about being an American. He had his core beliefs and stuck to them. He worked with the opposition where he could and stood up to them where he should. I admire that a great deal. I tried to emulate that philosophy during my time as an elected official. I always stayed true to who I am and to my beliefs. Unfortunately, that cannot be said about a great deal of today’s politicians.
What advice do you have for young people starting out?
Follow your passion, try and learn something new every day, put down the phone and enjoy family, friends and the outdoors.
Most people say they got a lucky break at some point. Tell us about yours.
My lucky break was when I met my wife.
Who do you think should play you in your biopic?
Bruce Willis comes to mind.
What was your favorite musical genre as a teenager and what are you listening to now?
I’ve been a rock ‘n roll guy as long as I can remember. Mostly rock ‘n roll from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. I’m still a rock ‘n roll guy.
First concert you attended and how did it make you feel?
My first was a Neil Diamond concert with my father. I felt so grown up. LOL!
If you were a competitive eater, which food would be your specialty?
Spicy chicken wings.
Favorite cuisine and where do you get it?
Mexican food and I usually prefer to get it at home. My wife Norma is an amazing cook!!!
What three must-haves are in your fridge at all times?
Diet coke, avocado, tortillas.
What’s been your favorite sports moment?
Probably achieving my black belt.
Take us through “Scott Sherman’s perfect day” in San Diego.
Describing my perfect day is very difficult to do. I enjoy too many things to cram them all into one day. It would have to be something outdoors (fishing, off-roading, hiking, golf, etc.) and would involve my wife.
What item would you like to buy if it went up for auction and you had the money to afford it?
I’ve always thought it would be fun to go to a wine auction, buy the most expensive bottle, uncork it, and drink it straight from the bottle in front of everyone.
Your house is on fire, and you can run back in to retrieve one item. What would it be? Why that item?
Just so long family is safe I don’t think there is one possession that I would have to save. Material things are not that important… plus, I don’t keep me boat at the house.
What would you change about yourself?
My age would be nice.
