Still need to vote? Here’s The Tribune’s complete list of local endorsements | Opinion
It’s crunch time. Election Day is almost here — which means you can’t put things off much longer.
So no more excuses.
If you don’t already have one, make a plan to vote, whether it’s by mail or in person. And if you’re looking for input on local races, here’s our endorsement roundup.
Atascadero
City Council: Mark Dariz and Tori Keen
Dariz and Keen have a slight edge due to their experience in local government, while Seth Peek would be a strong asset serving in another capacity, such as on the city Planning Commission.
This is an extension of an existing half-cent sales tax passed in 2014. It would generate $3 million per year for road repairs.
Arroyo Grande
Russom is smart, pragmatic and a strong leader who strives for compromise. She analyzes issues and keeps cool under pressure, which is exactly what we expect from a mayor.
City Council: Jamie Maraviglia
Maravigli has served on the Planning Commission since 2019 and before that, was on the Parks and Recreation Commission. She would make a seamless transition to City Council.
Arroyo Grande’s existing sales tax is one of lowest in the county; this 1-cent increase would make it equal to surrounding cities and generate $6 million per year for a variety of uses, including road repairs.
Grover Beach
She would be a voice for the business community and, at 29, would bring a youthful perspective to city government. She’s served on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission for four years, the last two as chair.
She knows South County issues, and she’ll be able to provide insight into how the city can advance as a tourist destination.
Dan Rushing is one of the city’s most competent and conscientious members of the City Council. This is nothing more than an attempt to bully a councilmember who followed his conscience and did what he thought was best for both current and future residents of Grover Beach.
If the measure were to pass, the city would be forced to roll back a $2.50 per month sewer rate increase that is expected to generate $280,000 this year. That loss would delay some much-needed work on the aging sewer system, creating the potential for disaster.
Morro Bay
What began as a campaign to stop construction of a battery energy storage system morphed into a land-use measure on the November ballot. This misleading initiative could undermine local control and stymie future development.
Paso Robles
City Council: Kris Beal and Steve Gregory
Beal’s work in the nonprofit sector has given her a knack for diplomacy, and she is well-versed in water management. She served on a Paso Robles Groundwater Basin committee, taught irrigation at Cal Poly and worked on the county’s water master plan. Gregory, the incumbent, is hardworking, looks for solutions and after the uproar over downtown parking, appears to be more attuned to the will of the people.
Extends a half-cent sales tax due to expire next year. It will generate $6.5 million annually for road repairs.
Pismo Beach
Waage is a strong mayor who continues to impress us with his breadth of knowledge, his level-headedness and his dedication to his constituents.
City Council: Marcia Guthrie and Scott Newton
The two council incumbents know the issues, do their homework, and are on the lookout for ways to make the city more livable for locals and attractive to tourists.
Pismo Beach is asking for an extension of an existing half-cent increase, plus an additional half-cent, increasing its tax to 8.25%, which would still be lower than most neighboring communities. It would generate an estimated $4 million per year for a variety of uses and would sunset after 12 years.
San Luis Obispo
She knows San Luis Obispo inside and out, represents the city with grace and diplomacy and has a knack for gaining the public’s trust. Stewart is the kind of mayor the city is lucky to have.
City Council: Mike Boswell and Jan Marx
Boswell’s knowledge and experience both as a professional planner and as a planning commissioner would be a huge asset on the council. Marx has served as an elected official in San Luis Obispo for 16 years, both as a City Council member and mayor. She is is a strong voice for underserved communities, including seniors who are unhoused.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhy do we endorse?
Making endorsements during election season is an important role for newspaper editorial boards, including The Tribune Editorial Board. Elections are key to determining the future of our Central Coast region, and through endorsements, we share our opinion of the qualifications of the candidates and recommend those who would best serve our communities.
Due to the large number of races on the 2024 General Election ballot, we are unable to issue endorsements in every race. We chose to focus on the most competitive contests.
For more about our process, click the arrow on the top right.
Who endorses?
Endorsement decisions are made by Editor Joe Tarica and Opinion Editor Stephanie Finucane.
How do we decide?
Candidates are invited to participate in an interview with The Editorial Board where they are asked a series questions about major issues. It’s our opportunity to learn the candidates’ positions and to gauge how well informed they are about issues they are likely to confront if elected.
We also research voting records of candidates who have held public office; we watch candidate forums; we look at back stories from The Tribune, as well as other publications that have covered the candidates; and we examine public documents. We also take a look at the candidates’ advertising and campaign statements. Are they overpromising, for example, or misrepresenting their opponent’s record?
In the case of ballot measures, we study the background of the issue, the pro and con arguments and consider who is supporting and opposing the measure.
Tell us what you think
If you disagree (or agree) with our endorsements, share your thoughts with us by writing a letter to the editor (200-word maximum). Email your submissions to letters@thetribunenews.com. Due to the volume of submissions we receive during campaign season, we do not publish Viewpoint-length pieces (600-800 words) in support or opposition to candidates.
Atascadero Unified School Board
An appointed incumbent, Pennon is among the most insightful, open and committed school board trustees we have ever encountered. Atascadero families are fortunate to have him on the school board.
DeCoster is a strong advocate, not only for academic growth, but also for emotional well-being. She has volunteered in the classroom and on district committees and has extensive experience as a paralegal and bookkeeper.
Lucia Mar Unified School Board
Vicki Meagher, Dee Santos and Don Stewart
The three incumbents — Meagher, Santos and Stewart — understand the role of the school board and the legal and budgetary limitations that face the district, while their challengers appear far more interested in pushing their personal political and religious agendas than in the everyday running of a school district.
The incumbents deal in reality, rather than espousing a wishful-thinking agenda based on the desire to turn back the clock to a less tolerant era in education.
Paso Robles Joint Unified School Board
Tracy Dauterman, Adelita Hiteshew and Nathan Williams
Dauterman has been actively involved in the district — so much so that it almost seems like she’s already on the school board. She recognizes and appreciates how important it is for the district to communicate not only with parents, but with the entire community.
Hiteshew’s history of involvement with the district for so many years — including in times of strife — is especially impressive. It’s past time she had a seat on the board.
Williams, the current school board president, is a retired firefighter and the father of four — including three children in Paso schools and a fourth in college. He’s impressed us as thoughtful and deliberate — someone who carefully considers all points of view before making a decision.
San Luis Coastal Joint Unified School Board
Baltodano, dean of the San Luis Obispo College of Law, has been a classroom volunteer, guest speaker and an adviser to the district superintendent. She is also a founding member of the San Luis Coastal Education Foundation. In her political campaigning, Baltodano has been well-organized, accessible and enthusiastic — exactly the traits that make an excellent school trustee.
Her opponent, incumbent Eve Hinton, was criticized during the 2020 campaign for posting a video associated with a QAnon conspiracy theory; sharing misinformation about Black Lives Matter protests on social media; and falsely accusing philanthropist Melinda Gates of being satanic.
This is an easy choice. Baltodano will be an asset to the district, rather than an embarrassment.