In a state of the city-like speech before a San Diego Taxpayers Association luncheon, Mayor Sanders used a good chunk of time to champion some major projects, from the airport where the mayor has inserted himself into an intense now-or-later debate to the border where he says the addition of a new border crossing will stimulate jobs and economic activity “here and in Mexico, our most important trading partner.”

Sanders signaled his support of a stadium for the San Diego Chargers if efforts to build one in Chula Vista falter. “If those discussions don’t pan out, it isn’t the final chapter,” said the mayor, who has been noticeable for his passive participation in earlier stadium discussions. “Other options can be explored, such as a regional approach to accommodating the Chargers and I’m willing to be a leader in that effort.”

Sanders strongly favors expanding the Convention Center, saying it has generated for the city $2.36 for every dollar invested and would create jobs and fresh revenue. He promised a design and deal hammered out in public. “I’m really excited about this project and I will do everything I can — except commit existing tax revenues — to make sure it goes forward,” he said.

With incoming City Councilman Carl DeMaio in the audience, Sanders pledged to support the building of a new Civic Center, providing a new independent analysis confirms it would save the city the $400 million over 50 years now projected. DeMaio is a fierce critic of the project as currently proposed, saying it is too expensive and threatening to lead efforts to torpedo it if his objections are not satisfied.

“If it’s true that a new civic center will save the taxpayers money, I can’t turn my back on a solution simply because it will be unpopular in certain circles,” Sanders said. “I believe I’m the logical person to oversee this process because no one can accuse me of having a personal interest in its outcome. If the decision is to go forward, I will be out of office long before construction is complete. I may never step foot inside of the new civic center, other than stopping by to pay my water bill, or something.”