Political Notebook

North County

The county Deputy Sheriffs’ Association has endorsed incumbent Harry Ovitt for 1st District county supervisor.

In a news release Tuesday, the union called Ovitt a steadfast supporter of the Sheriff’s Department over the past 19 years. In particular, it lauded his support for issues including adequate patrol staffing, expansion of the County Jail, rural crime prevention, the Narcotics Task Force and gang suppression efforts.

Ovitt is seeking a sixth term as the 1st District supervisor, representing Paso Robles, Templeton, Shandon, San Miguel and surrounding areas. His opponent is Paso Robles Mayor Frank Mecham.

The election is June 3. The Deputy Sheriffs’ Association is the county’s largest law enforcement union, representing 270 deputies, correctional officers and other Sheriff’s Department staff.

—Matt Lazier

North County

The Paso Robles school board has unanimously endorsed Frank Mecham for 1st District county supervisor.

Mecham, the mayor of Paso Robles, is seeking to unseat five-term incumbent Harry Ovitt for the 1st District seat.

The trustees—Debi SaunSanders, Jeanne Dugger, Pat Johnson, W. Jay Packer, Joe Quiroz, Dr. Robert Simola and Pastor Ruben Tate — all support Mecham, a news release from his campaign said.

—Leah Etling

North County

Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, has endorsed county Supervisor Jim Patterson for re-election in the 5th District, citing his background, experience, accessibility and nonpartisan approach to governing.

“I appreciate Jim’s efforts to balance the protection of our natural environment with growth and a thriving economy, so that neither suffers at the expense of the other,” Capps said. “I’m particularly impressed by Jim’s commitment to being fiscally prudent with taxpayers’ dollars.”

The 5th District includes Atascadero, Santa Margarita, Garden Farms, Creston, Pozo, California Valley and part of San Luis Obispo.

Patterson faces opposition from Pozo rancher and former day care owner Debbie Arnold, who worked as an aide to Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee, R-San Luis Obispo, and former Supervisor Mike Ryan. Patterson defeated Ryan in the 2004 county supervisor election.

—Bob Cuddy

San Luis Obispo

The city’s firefighters union has endorsed challenger Adam Hill in the race for 3rd District county supervisor.

San Luis Obispo City Firefighters Local 3523 endorsed Hill after interviewing him and incumbent Jerry Lenthall, according to local president Erik Baskin.

Baskin said afterward that Hill “clearly was more articulate, knowledgeable and passionate.”

He said Hill “recognizes that in these tough economic times, the health and safety of the community is the highest priority” and “expressed his commitment to support public safety in continuing our goal of providing excellent services and enhancing our response capabilities.”

Hill and Lenthall are facing off in the June 3 primary. The 3rd District includes Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and parts of San Luis Obispo.

—Bob Cuddy

North County

Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 403 has endorsed Pozo rancher Debbie Arnold’s campaign for 5th District county supervisor.

Arnold is running against incumbent Supervisor Jim Patterson on a platform that includes a defense of property rights and reducing local government bureaucracy.

“I am proud to have received their support,” she said in a statement. “It’s important that we create a stable economy that honors and respects our working men and women.”

—Stephen Curran