The Union-Tribune Editorial Board has endorsed former La Mesa Councilmember Kristine Alessio for the San Diego County Supervisor District 4. Alessio, who has previously spoken out against Board of Supervisors Chair Terra Lawson-Remer and her call for a potential county tax hike of $1 billion, is seen as an independent Republican with a planning background and a moderate voice on climate action policies. The endorsement may surprise some, given the board's past comments about incumbent Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, who is also an attorney. The board has been accused of using county reserve funds to fund one-time bonuses for most county employees. Under state law, reserve funds are only supposed to be used by local governments during economic downturns, natural disasters or unexpected emergencies.