Grover Beach mayor’s race: 4 questions for the candidates

Two candidates who have previously held the title of Grover Beach mayor are vying for that seat in the Nov. 8 election: incumbent John Shoals and former councilman Ronald Arnoldsen. Shoals was the city’s first directly elected mayor in 2008, while Arnoldsen twice held the title when it was still rotated among council members. The mayor is elected for a two-year term.

The candidates recently responded to four questions posed by The Tribune:

Q: What do you think is the single largest issue facing the city, and what specific steps would you take in your first six months to address it?

Arnoldsen: Water. We cannot control the amount of rain we get. Therefore, we need to work toward desalination and reclamation of our wastewater. Lopez Lake is 25 percent full. Our citizens have worked very hard to conserve water. The elected officials of our county need to collaborate on replenishing our groundwater and reservoirs. We should also consider a moratorium on large developments until we have sufficient water.

Shoals: Long-term water management is a critical issue for the region. We are working with partners to manage our groundwater resources. I will take a lead role in developing a comprehensive plan with real solutions. Grover Beach and the South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District will play an important role in developing a groundwater model that will be critical to improved groundwater resources management and long-term water supply reliability, and in facilitating a regional water recycling project involving groundwater recharge.

Q: What do you think of the recent shift toward allowing more marijuana-related businesses into Grover Beach, and what do you think should be done to regulate these businesses?

Arnoldsen: I would not condemn sales to the industrial zone. Why is marijuana different from alcohol, tobacco or prescription medication? I also feel the tax from the sale of marijuana should be put toward specific sources like public safety, sidewalks, parks or streets. I oppose the tax being lumped into the general fund.

Shoals: It’s a great opportunity. The City Council has been thoughtful in deciding to regulate marijuana-related businesses. We are viewing this as growth industry with medical benefits for individuals in need and the potential to generate revenues for core services such as police, fire and street maintenance. The industry will be regulated with land use controls that restrict where and when these businesses will be allowed to operate, standards for building design and water conservation, and measures to insure community safety.

Q: Homelessness and the hugely visible homeless population are of particular concern for many Grover Beach residents and business owners. Do you think the city has done enough to address this issue? What more could be done?

Arnoldsen: Homelessness is a national problem. Communities need to set aside areas similar to campgrounds. Restrooms and bathing facilities would be available. The cities of the South County worked together to provide our youths with a skateboard park, and the same could be done for an area the homeless can use in a clean and safe environment.

Shoals: The city has taken action on transient issues. Those actions include adoption of a panhandling ordinance, installation of cameras at Ramona Park and along Grand Avenue, approving police bike patrols in business areas and elimination of unsafe homeless encampments. We must find a way to provide services to those in need. I plan to convene a joint meeting with elected officials, business owners and community leaders to develop solutions to this regional problem, including a homeless center or similar facility.

Q: What would you do specifically to spur economic development in the city?

Arnoldsen: I will continue to promote local business as opposed to the internet. Shop local. Also, the industrial park in Grover is still underdeveloped. This area should continue to be a focus for development.

Shoals: The city has taken action to spur economic development. Major economic projects including the Beachfront Lodge and Conference Center, broadband fiber installation in commercial areas and the regulation of marijuana-related business (“Green Business”) are happening. We are investing in public infrastructure including streets, sidewalks, waterlines and the train station. I will continue investing in public infrastructure, improving the permitting process and marketing the city to industry and business that are a good fit for our community.

This story was originally published September 28, 2016 at 3:46 PM with the headline "Grover Beach mayor’s race: 4 questions for the candidates."