A Republican councilman in San Diego quit the party on Monday, saying that it would make problem-solving easier.

In a series of tweets, Councilman Mark Kersey explained why he had changed his party affiliation to independent.

“Make no mistake: both parties have plenty of good and decent members,” Kersey wrote. “But today’s political climate rewards ideologues, not problem-solvers. I ran for office to rebuild San Diego, not localize the debate over federal and state partisan malice.”

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“For these reasons I have decided to disconnect from the polarized prism of partisan politics and become an independent,” he added.

The San Diego Republican Party quickly lashed out at Kersey for defecting.

“Mark Kersey will find that there is scant support outside of the Republican Party for individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited, efficient government,” party chair Tony Krvaric write on Twitter. “Anyone who subscribes to those principles is welcome in our party any time.”

Read the tweets below.

My record at City Hall has been independent-minded and bipartisan. That’s because it is my responsibility to answer to, and do what I believe is right for, all the people of San Diego, regardless of party affiliation. 1/5 — Mark Kersey (@markkersey) April 29, 2019

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City Council offices are, after all, nonpartisan. 2/5 — Mark Kersey (@markkersey) April 29, 2019

Make no mistake: both parties have plenty of good and decent members. But today’s political climate rewards ideologues, not problem-solvers. I ran for office to rebuild San Diego, not localize the debate over federal and state partisan malice. 3/5 — Mark Kersey (@markkersey) April 29, 2019

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For these reasons I have decided to disconnect from the polarized prism of partisan politics and become an independent. My decision is based not on a single issue or vote but something I have been wrestling with for some time. 4/5 — Mark Kersey (@markkersey) April 29, 2019

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I will continue to work towards bipartisan solutions to our City’s issues for the final two years of my term, as I have over the last six. 5/5 — Mark Kersey (@markkersey) April 29, 2019

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