Fred Strong wins re-election to Paso Robles council as voters approve sales tax measure
Councilman Fred Strong has won his bid to become Paso Robles’ District 4 council member in the city’s first by-district elections in its history, according to final unofficial election results.
Strong received 62.7% of the vote, defeating challenger Jacob Allred, who took 37.1% of the vote.
Incumbent Strong and newcomer Allred had both been vying to represent the southwest side of the city. Another incumbent council member, Steve Gregory, ran unopposed to represent District 3 on the southeast side of Paso Robles.
“I’m very encouraged by the trust the citizens have placed in me in part by the help many people have given me on this campaign for re-election,” Strong said in a text message.
Strong said he wants to continue to work on “solutions to our transportation infrastructure inadequacies” and improving police and emergency services.
“Also, working in cooperation with nonprofits in the homelessness area, I will urge support within our means to do so and encouraging lawful behavior by the chronically homeless,” Strong said. “Many new issues will undoubtedly arise that will also require individual attention and careful consideration. I intend to stay fully engaged as a full time councilman engaging directly with interested citizens.”
Gregory won his seat with 99.5% of the vote. Nine voters wrote in different candidates.
Paso Robles created voting districts last year, after the city received a letter claiming Hispanic and Latino residents were being disenfranchised by its at-large elections and threatening a lawsuit if leaders didn’t change the system.
Districts 3 and 4 were up for grabs this year, and voters will elect representatives in Districts 1 and 2 in 2022.
Ryan Cornell also ran unopposed for city treasurer. He won the position with 99.8% of the vote — 13 voters wrote in different candidates.
Voters approved a measure to raise the city’s sales tax by 1 cent to offset budget losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Measure J-20 won with 57.9% of voters casting ballots in favor of the measure, while 42.1% cast ballots against it.
This story was originally published November 3, 2020 at 8:21 PM.
