Where do Grover Beach candidates for mayor, City Council stand on housing, infrastructure?
Grover Beach voters will have the opportunity participate in three elections for City Council seats this November, including the mayoral seat.
In the mayoral race, three candidates — current City Council member Robert Robert, local business owner Kassi Dee and former Mayor Debbie Peterson — are looking to succeed Mayor Karen Bright.
In District 3, voters will decide between grant writer Marsha Bolyanatz and Restorative Partners operations director Kathy McCorry, while Clint Weirick is running unopposed for the District 4 City Council seat.
All candidates save for McCorry responded to The Tribune’s requests to participate in the Voter Guide.
Candidates discussed their overall vision for the city along with priority issues such as the Central Coast Blue water sustainability project, cost of living and ballot measure G-24.
Here are the candidates’ responses, organized by candidate and in alphabetical order. Some responses have been edited for length or clarity.
Marsha Bolyanatz
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Grover H2O, All Individual Voter Donations
What is your vision for what your city should look like in 5 years? 10 years?
My vision for Grover Beach in 5 and 10 years is a welcoming, safe and affordable community for all. I will prioritize affordable housing for workforce households, ensuring our city remains accessible to residents. Additionally, I envision revitalized roads and updated waste management infrastructure, contributing to a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable city. I also commit to an open and responsive City Hall, available 5 days per week, fostering transparency and accessibility for all residents.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your city today, and what will you do to address it?
The most important issue facing our city today, as voiced by voters in my district, is the lack of open communication between City Hall and its constituents. This gap has led to frustration, with many feeling disconnected from decision-making and progress on key projects. One example is the 40-year delay in developing the Beach Lodge, which has left the community discouraged by the lack of action.
To address this, I will prioritize improving communication by holding more community gatherings, enhancing digital updates, and ensuring timely responses to resident concerns. I’ll advocate for more transparency and regular updates on city projects, allowing for greater accountability. Additionally, I will focus on overcoming the inertia that has delayed community priorities by setting clear timelines and making sure progress aligns with public needs. My goal is to rebuild trust and ensure the city is responsive to its residents.
The Central Coast Blue water sustainability project was put on hold earlier this year after the partner cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach pulled out of the project. What course of action should your city take on the Central Coast Blue project or other water sustainability initiatives going forward?
The Central Coast Blue project and other water sustainability initiatives should be carefully vetted to ensure they are the best options for our city. I advocate for seeking an independent technical review of all available water solutions, especially those that address drought resilience. It’s essential to support candidates committed to serving the people of Grover Beach, those who prioritize transparency and accountability in government actions and reporting. Moving ahead, we must collaborate with neighboring cities to find sustainable and affordable solutions that effectively replenish our aquifer, securing a reliable water future for our community.
Home values, rent and cost of living have risen significantly in recent years for many Grover Beach residents. What can the city council do to make life easier for local residents struggling with cost of living?
The City Council can address rising costs by expanding affordable housing, working with developers on workforce and mixed-income housing, and exploring rent stabilization to protect tenants. Supporting local small businesses through streamlined processes and tax incentives will help keep goods and services affordable
At its May 13 meeting, the City Council lowered water rates to the previous rate structure adopted in 2021, leaving sewer rates at the elevated rate adopted in December. A yes vote on Measure G-24, created by citizens group GroverH2O, would repeal the December resolution entirely, setting the water and sewer rates at their 2021 levels. Do you support or oppose Measure G-24? Why or why not?
I support Measure G-24 because it seeks to revert water and sewer rates back to the 2021 Rate Table. This is crucial, especially in light of the December 2023 rate increase that many residents find burdensome. The 2021 measure included a structured plan for annual increases until 2025, which city staff assured would adequately cover infrastructure expenses. Returning to this more predictable rate structure not only alleviates financial pressure on households but also aligns with the original intent to manage our resources sustainably. It’s important for our community to have transparency, a voice and predictability in these essential services.
Kassi Dee
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
ShatterPAC, SLO County Democratic Party, Nan Fowler (grandmother)
What is your vision for what your city should look like in 5 years? 10 years?
Our city has been a leader in many different areas of our community. I think we can continue to be leaders and have the tough discussions — like water, roads etc. In 5-10 yrs, I’d like to see the K-14 roads project completed or nearly complete. In regard to water and wastewater, this will continue to be a long discussion with our community, but we need to start somewhere and I’m committed to having those discussions. Once elected, I plan to work with the rest of my council to have a fully funded Police Department, fire authority and social services resources. I plan to encourage property owners to take advantage of the CDBG business assistance so new businesses can be welcomed and existing businesses can have up-to-date facilities. Most importantly, I will be out in the community and I will encourage the rest of our council to be out in the community, represent our business and residents, and bring that information back to council meetings to share with everyone.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your city today, and what will you do to address it?
I think divisiveness in our community is one of the most important issues facing our city. It is OK to disagree, but without the opportunity to have civil and productive conversations from all points of view, the people of Grover Beach may lose faith in the council’s ability to lead and function. I love my city too much to sit back and watch that happen!
We live in a representative democracy where the people vote for individuals to represent them, and right now the community is unclear about things going on in their community. The council’s job is to give direction to staff and represent the people. I plan to be transparent and visible to the residents and plan to encourage not only the staff but members of the council to hold forums, city talks, coffees, meetings, outreach programs, etc. My goal is to work with everyone, whether they agree with me or not. I am so proud of the progress of Grover Beach and want to continue that progress so the community can be proud of their city.
The Central Coast Blue water sustainability project was put on hold earlier this year after the partner cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach pulled out of the project. What course of action should your city take on the Central Coast Blue project or other water sustainability initiatives going forward?
After a couple of good rainy years, we know we’ll be in another drought soon — it’s inevitable. Now that Grover has pulled out of CCB, I want to see what Grover Beach has the capacity to do. We have so many resources right here in our backyard with Cal Poly students, professional staff, consultants and the community itself to explore the future of water resiliency. Our city has been a leader in water conservation, but now it’s our turn to be a leader in water resiliency. That being said, it needs to be a practical, economic solution that works for Grover Beach and potentially with regional partners to help defray costs.
Home values, rent and cost of living have risen significantly in recent years for many Grover Beach residents. What can the city council do to make life easier for local residents struggling with cost of living?
Home prices and cost of living have increased for everyone up and down the state and while Grover continues to be one of the most affordable places on the Central Coast, SLO County is still an expensive place to live. Things I’d like to see the council consider include making permits easier for development of ADUs so these can be used as starter homes for individuals and small families. The council recently reviewed options for commercial and residential improvement/repair incentives through the CDBG program and encouraging the use of these programs can help reduce barriers for home ownership. I plan to work with the Home Builder’s Association, REACH, developers and local YIMBY representatives to determine what else the city can do that hasn’t been thought of or implemented.
At its May 13 meeting, the City Council lowered water rates to the previous rate structure adopted in 2021, leaving sewer rates at the elevated rate adopted in December. A yes vote on Measure G-24, created by citizens group GroverH2O, would repeal the December resolution entirely, setting the water and sewer rates at their 2021 levels. Do you support or oppose Measure G-24? Why or why not?
I do not support Measure G-24. In 2021, council adopted a rate structure that implemented a moderate rate increase. I understand the 2023 decision to raise the rates to the new structure was overwhelming, but council heard the people and brought the water rates back to the moderate rate structure. Supporting G-24 means all the revenue coming from that moderate increase (which is about the cost of living) goes away and the projects the city is in the middle of completing will come to a halt. If G-24 passes, council and staff will have to make cuts and projects will stop. This is including seven streets which were on track to be completed from the K-14 bond and will be stopped until the city can find another solution to support the water and wastewater infrastructure needs. This includes improvements to our parks and facilities. I understand rate increases can be a hardship, but the wastewater rates that are in place now equal out to an average of less than $2.50 a month. In order for us to keep our city’s sewer system working, we need to find a way to make the $2.50 work — and if we have neighbors that truly can’t afford this increase, the city has programs to help support them.
Kathy McCorry
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Only me.
What is your vision for what your city should look like in 5 years? 10 years?
Evolving. We have started several new projects lately that are fulfilling a long-term vision to redevelop our main corridor, Grand Avenue. My hope is that we continue along this pathway to a more vibrant business district envisioned by those that have served our community so many years ago.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your city today, and what will you do to address it?
Sustainability and aging infrastructure. Our road replacement and repaving program is 70% complete. We need to get this project to the finish line. Water and sewer are a primary concern along with how we are going to pay for replacing the aging sewer system. These are key items all cities need to invest in. We need to find affordable realistic solutions. And we need to actively pursue the implementation in order to maintain a decent quality of life for all Grover Beach residents.
The Central Coast Blue water sustainability project was put on hold earlier this year after the partner cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach pulled out of the project. What course of action should your city take on the Central Coast Blue project or other water sustainability initiatives going forward?
We need to plan for our future water needs. If Central Coast Blue is not a solution due to the cost, then we need to work quickly and diligently to find the right sustainable options for our community. I believe in our city staff and the the City Council. Together we will get this done.
Home values, rent and cost of living have risen significantly in recent years for many Grover Beach residents. What can the city council do to make life easier for local residents struggling with cost of living?
We need to continue to be the voice of all California residents when it comes to state building codes. The more difficult the state makes it to build housing, the more expensive it becomes for all us. We need to ask ourselves — are we being over-regulated when it comes to development? Cities need to band together to better inform and educate our state representatives that we need to find ways to build safe and affordable homes.
At its May 13 meeting, the City Council lowered water rates to the previous rate structure adopted in 2021, leaving sewer rates at the elevated rate adopted in December. A yes vote on Measure G-24, created by citizens group GroverH2O, would repeal the December resolution entirely, setting the water and sewer rates at their 2021 levels. Do you support or oppose Measure G-24? Why or why not?
The difference between rolling back the rates and keeping the current is approx. $2.50 a month. I believe it is an investment in our future to continue to pay the current rate. Our aging sewer system needs our attention. The small increase we are paying now is more palatable to me than a large increase further down the road. For this reason, I oppose Measure G-24.
Debbie Peterson
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Deborah Aguirre, Retired mail deliverywoman, $650; Jan Rantanan-Ryals, retired special ed teacher, $400; Stew Jenkins, attorney, $249
What is your vision for what your city should look like in 5 years? 10 years?
Five-year progressing-to and 10-year completion to restore “Tree City USA” status, completed residential street upgrades with curbs, gutters, sidewalks and street lighting, West Grand Avenue enhancement completed, housing for the unhoused, senior and mixed-use housing on Grand Avenue, vibrant walkable safe business-friendly West Grand Avenue.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your city today, and what will you do to address it?
When GROVERH2O launched its November 2024 election, we asked people to state their top 3 priorities for the city. They said: 1. transparency; 2. a voice for the community; 3. cost of government. I advocate: Return public comment to beginning of council meetings. Engage the community for socially, economically and environmentally sustainable solutions to capture rain in times of plenty to cover drought years. Department audits every five years. Video and auto-transcribe and keep cameras rolling at all times in public meetings, Re-open City Hall on Fridays. Ensure there is coverage 8-5 Monday-Friday in every city department both in person and on the phone. Elect, not appoint, council members. Ensure that the 2004 Vision of the people and the Local Coastal Plan are part of planning decisions. Return to functional IT systems for transient occupancy taxes and water and sewer rate payments that link to local banks and provide detailed usage information on bills.
The Central Coast Blue water sustainability project was put on hold earlier this year after the partner cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach pulled out of the project. What course of action should your city take on the Central Coast Blue project or other water sustainability initiatives going forward?
Implement the Grover H2O Lopez management plan to assure an additional 1,000-1,500 acre-feet of water a year.Remove ALL CCB water &and sewer rates. Commission independent experts to complete a current cost-benefit analysis of socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable water and sewer solutions that address current weather pattern extremes to capture and store excess water in times of plenty for security in times of drought. Ensure that the establishment of a wastewater treatment plant with pipelines and wells is funded and approved by a ballot vote of the people. Work proactively within the region to recharge our aquifer.
Home values, rent and cost of living have risen significantly in recent years for many Grover Beach residents. What can the city council do to make life easier for local residents struggling with cost of living?
Control water and sewer rates by implementing the plans in the previous question. Continue to support housing solutions such as ADUs, PUDs and less expensive smaller unit and smaller lot housing. Carefully shepherd city budgets so that maximum possible funding goes to public projects. Support local business success because their success drives the taxes that support city projects.
At its May 13 meeting, the City Council lowered water rates to the previous rate structure adopted in 2021, leaving sewer rates at the elevated rate adopted in December. A yes vote on Measure G-24, created by citizens group GroverH2O, would repeal the December resolution entirely, setting the water and sewer rates at their 2021 levels. Do you support or oppose Measure G-24? Why or why not?
Your statement is inaccurate. Measure G-24 would not set the water and sewer rates at their 2021 levels. It would set the rate at the lawful levels in place in December 2023, (please read the ballot measure!) which is the 2021 five-year rate structure that includes annual increases since it was implemented, up to and including the July 2024 rate increase. The city manager pledged (on Sept. 27, 2022) that these annual increases would not only be all that would be needed for future support of the Central Coast Blue project, but also sufficient for the city’s ongoing water and sewer needs. $3 million of these increases to date has been spent to fund the Central Coast Blue Project. Nearly $800,000 will be refunded to the city since the city pulled out of the project. I support Measure G-24. There are substantial water reserves, including the refund, and substantial grants to cover needed infrastructure upgrades, including those that have been a part of the street repair projects to date and for the future.
Robert Robert
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
I’ve taken no large contributions at this time from anyone other than immediate family.
What is your vision for what your city should look like in 5 years? 10 years?
In five years, Grover Beach will be a thriving, inclusive community with a strong local economy, sustainable growth, and improved infrastructure. Housing will be more affordable, with developments that prioritize livability and sustainability. Local businesses will be supported, and expanded public transportation and bike paths will enhance connectivity.
In 10 years, Grover Beach will be a model for smart growth and environmental stewardship, with successful water sustainability initiatives protecting against drought. Vibrant community spaces, upgraded parks, walkable streets, and cultural events will bring residents together.
With a focus on green energy and conservation, Grover Beach will lead in sustainability, reducing carbon emissions and boosting energy efficiency. This vision ensures the city remains a forward-thinking, welcoming place that values both its residents and the environment.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your city today, and what will you do to address it?
The most important issue facing Grover Beach is the rising cost of living, particularly housing affordability and utility rates. Many residents struggle with increasing rents, home prices and utility costs, affecting their overall quality of life.
To address this, I will prioritize policies that promote affordable housing through partnerships and incentives for developments that meet the needs of low- and middle-income residents. I will also advocate for sustainable water and energy initiatives to reduce utility costs while ensuring long-term environmental health.
Additionally, I will support efforts to strengthen our local economy by backing small businesses and encouraging job creation. By focusing on affordability, sustainability and economic growth, we can ensure Grover Beach remains a thriving, inclusive community where everyone can continue to live and prosper.
The Central Coast Blue water sustainability project was put on hold earlier this year after the partner cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach pulled out of the project. What course of action should your city take on the Central Coast Blue project or other water sustainability initiatives going forward?
Grover Beach should reengage with Arroyo Grande and other regional partners to address concerns and because collaboration is vital for shared water challenges. The city should also seek state, federal and private grants to support water sustainability projects, attracting necessary resources.
Focusing on recycled water use for irrigation and expanding infrastructure for water distribution will help reduce demand on potable sources. Public outreach through forums can explain the project’s benefits and gather feedback to refine water. Grover Beach could explore local solutions such as expanding graywater systems, incentivizing conservation, and advancing desalination research. These efforts could be paired with educational programs and rebates to encourage residents to reduce water usage.
Lastly, drought-resilient policies, updated landscaping ordinances, and increased water storage capacity should be prioritized to ensure long-term water security.
Home values, rent and cost of living have risen significantly in recent years for many Grover Beach residents. What can the city council do to make life easier for local residents struggling with cost of living?
The rising cost of living, home values and rent in Grover Beach are critical issues for residents. The City Council can take several measures to help ease the financial burden:
The council can promote the development of affordable housing through partnerships with developers, incentives and zoning adjustments. This can include offering density bonuses for developers who include low-income units or utilizing vacant or underutilized city-owned land for affordable housing projects.
Rent stabilization and tenant protections Implementing or supporting rent stabilization policies can help prevent dramatic rent hikes. Strengthening tenant protections, such as limiting no-fault evictions or providing rental assistance programs, can offer stability for renters.
At its May 13 meeting, the City Council lowered water rates to the previous rate structure adopted in 2021, leaving sewer rates at the elevated rate adopted in December. A yes vote on Measure G-24, created by citizens group GroverH2O, would repeal the December resolution entirely, setting the water and sewer rates at their 2021 levels. Do you support or oppose Measure G-24? Why or why not?
I do not support Measure G-24 because it could undermine the city’s ability to maintain and improve essential water and sewer infrastructure. The elevated rates introduced in December were implemented to address rising costs and ensure the long-term sustainability of our utility systems. Rolling back rates to 2021 levels may provide short-term relief, but it risks delaying critical upgrades and repairs necessary for reliable service.
Additionally, maintaining the current rates allows the city to invest in future water sustainability projects and infrastructure improvements, which are crucial given our ongoing drought challenges. Reducing rates without a plan to cover these rising costs may lead to larger rate hikes in the future, putting more pressure on residents. While affordability is important, it’s essential that we balance short-term relief with long-term infrastructure health, ensuring that our water and sewer systems can support Grover Beach’s needs for years to come.
Clint Weirick
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
1. lUPAT Political Action Together Legislative Education Committee 2. Laborers Local 220 Political Action Committee 3. Southern California District Council of Laborers PAC
What is your vision for what your city should look like in 5 years? 10 years?
I’m born and raised in Grover Beach so I know that in five and 10 years some things will change, but I wouldn’t expect the character to change significantly from what our community currently wants. The changes that are part of my vision are shared by many residents I’ve talked to in our city as one with paved roads, upgraded parks, more walkable, activity-friendly, etc. that has Grover Beach be both a clean and well-maintained city that’s attractive to its residents as an excellent place to raise a family while being a more thriving city for all residents such seniors and retirees. I’m currently working on the City Council and will continue working toward this through our infrastructure renewal and improvements in addition to developing how to achieve this ongoing vision with our residents.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your city today, and what will you do to address it?
While we continue to address the changing pressing issues of the day, the most important issue our city government is facing is our aging infrastructural needs of streets, underground infrastructure, facilities, etc. Expensive by default, these need to be on a regular maintenance cycle so they won’t return to deteriorated conditions after major improvements and upgrades are made. We’ve all seen construction costs substantially increase over the years. By making these financial investments today we can save money over the long run while meeting the immediate needs and expectations of our residents, businesses and nonprofits that they have safe streets, their wastewater system working, etc. Aging systems don’t get better, and without consistent upgrades and maintenance the city will fall into a crisis state when infrastructure fail. Residents need to know that water will flow from their taps, toilets will flush without backing up, streets are drivable, and our city is safe.
The Central Coast Blue water sustainability project was put on hold earlier this year after the partner cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach pulled out of the project. What course of action should your city take on the Central Coast Blue project or other water sustainability initiatives going forward?
We’ve already decided to exit the Central Coast Blue project, so no action needs to be taken. A massively expensive project for three cities, including ours, isn’t an economically viable path for our residents. Being a lifelong Californian, I like so many others who have lived here a long time know a future major drought is to be expected. I believe we need to leverage multiple approaches to further reduce water usage, increase water retention, leverage our existing city government’s water conservation rebate programs and possibly expand them to meet other needs, amend our ordinances, etc. We need to get and stay ahead of our water resources and find new water solutions that will bring the most cost-effective methods and limit the most severe potential impacts on our residents, businesses, and nonprofits in the city. Everyone wants water reliability, and we don’t need a future water crisis to make progress to get there.
Home values, rent and cost of living have risen significantly in recent years for many Grover Beach residents. What can the city council do to make life easier for local residents struggling with cost of living?
Our residents like so many others have been affected with the significant rising cost of living on the Central Coast. Though our City Council is limited in our actual authority, I believe we can and should continue in our city government decisions to further study what can be done. This is a great topic for a workshop. Do residents want less vacation rentals to free up the rental market, do residents want more second dwellings allowed on lots, how did they vote on CA Prop. 33, etc.? The residents need to tell the City Council what they are willing to sacrifice to make housing more affordable at a larger scale citywide, and the City Council needs to listen. Considerations need to be taken on residential and consumer financial impacts by proposed city government actions. Additionally, continuing to pave our streets on schedule can help reduce potential vehicle repair expenses helping residents save money too.
At its May 13 meeting, the City Council lowered water rates to the previous rate structure adopted in 2021, leaving sewer rates at the elevated rate adopted in December. A yes vote on Measure G-24, created by citizens group GroverH2O, would repeal the December resolution entirely, setting the water and sewer rates at their 2021 levels. Do you support or oppose Measure G-24? Why or why not?
I oppose Measure G-24. I led and voted successfully with my City Council colleagues to lower the city’s water rates to the previous rate structure adopted in 2021 at our May 13 City Council meeting. The sewer rates stayed the same, as residents last year made it clear that the water rates were of their concern, due to the significant increases proposed, whereas the wastewater rates rarely ever came up due to it being a much smaller amount to them (essentially a few dollars a month). With an aging wastewater infrastructure, I want to see us make the upgrades, replacements and maintenance work needed now before inevitable infrastructure construction costs increase significantly again in the future. This results in stronger reliability so our residents don’t have to worry if their sewer system will work when they flush their toilets, while continuing to allow us to finish our residential streets in the most cost-effective manner for them.
This story was originally published October 3, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
