Verdin or Paulding? Here’s what SLO County voters think | Opinion
Editor’s note: We will regularly update this page with new election letters. If you want to share your thoughts on the candidates, write us at letters@thetribunenews.com by May 28. Letters should be no longer than 200 words.
Results-driven leadership
As a longtime resident of San Luis Obispo County’s 4th District, I’m proud to endorse Supervisor Jimmy Paulding for reelection in 2026. In just a few years in office, Jimmy has demonstrated exactly the kind of high-integrity, pragmatic, results-driven leadership our South County communities deserve. Jimmy has racked up a remarkable list of achievements in his first term. He demonstrated courage, commitment and a deep understanding of our county ordinances when he secured a temporary bridge to reopen Cecchetti Road after a three-year closure.
He’s taken the lead on establishing a much-needed fire station east of Arroyo Grande. He helped reduce unsheltered homelessness by more than 42% since 2022, while expanding shelter capacity by 146 beds countywide.
He secured $2.7 million in state and federal funding to restore and improve the Arroyo Grande Creek Levee in the lower Arroyo Grande Valley. He rejoined the Waste Management Authority, saving taxpayers $700,000 annually, and secured funding for the long-needed Nipomo Sheriff’s Substation — a public safety priority residents had sought for years.
What stands out most about Jimmy Paulding is his integrity and his commitment to service and respectful engagement. After years of dysfunction, our Board of Supervisors has become more productive and professional in service to our community and Jimmy has played a critical role in moving us in that positive direction.
Brian Talley
Arroyo Grande
Verdin understands business community
‘San Luis Obispo County should be a place where small businesses can thrive, but currently, the red tape is thicker than ever. Local entrepreneurs are met with endless permitting delays and a customer service mindset that feels more like an obstacle course. This lack of efficiency is a failure of leadership and accountability at the county level.
Adam Verdin understands this struggle firsthand as the owner of Old Juan’s Cantina. He knows that when the county fails to streamline its processes, it’s the working families and small employers who pay the price. Adam’s plan to establish a regular roundtable of local business leaders is exactly the kind of accountability we need. He wants to identify where the system is breaking down and fix it rather than just talking about it.
We need a supervisor who views local businesses as partners, not tax revenue targets. Adam Verdin will bring a common sense, results oriented approach to the Board. Let’s elect someone who actually knows how to sign the front of a paycheck.
Graeme Blackburn
Oceano
Paulding brings results
These are complicated times. We need someone committed full time to the Board of Supervisor for District 4. In the last three and a half years, Mr. Paulding has worked with the agencies to get 227 miles of our county roads paved. That is about 21% of the paved roads in our county. Made investments that contributed to a 42% reduction in unsheltered homelessness since 2022, and balanced the county budget. Plus, he never took a pay raise. All this while the costs of construction and materials are going up.
His challenger doesn’t have the experience to solve all the growing pains and changing issues facing SLO county. Maybe this is why all his marketing pieces and Facebook posts are attacking Mr. Paulding.
Mr Verdin makes running SLO government sound so simple. Mr Verdin has the time to serve on NGO boards and do volunteer work, which is extremely honorable. He needs to stick with what he is good at and maybe reach out to work with our local government officials to solve problems and stop the vile, made-up lies.
Linda Reynolds
Nipomo
SLO County has no say over Prop 13
Adam Verdin must explain exactly how he as the 4th District Supervisor protects Proposition 13. Is he unaware that Proposition 13 is a Constitutional Amendment, enshrined in the California Constitution? In 1978 California voters overwhelming passed Proposition 13. The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors had absolutely nothing to do with creating Proposition 13 or protecting it now.
An amendment for any state tax increase requires a two-thirds vote of each house of the California Legislature. There is a two-thirds voter majority requirement in local elections, should local governments attempt to increase special taxes. There’s no mention of the San Luis County Board of Supervisors.
How will Mr. Verdin protect Proposition 13, if elected to the board? All we have heard all season from Mr. Verdin are empty, meaningless political platitudes about how he, as the newly elected supervisor for the 4th District in San Luis Obispo County, will be Proposition 13’s savior.
Finally, Mr. Verdin implies that Supervisor Jimmy Paulding is against Proposition 13, but offers no evidence to support such an outlandish allegation. Mr. Verdin is clearly in over his head in this campaign. Supervisor Paulding deserves another four years.
Guy W. Murray
Nipomo
Character counts
Character matters more than party labels in local elections. That is why, as a lifelong Democrat, I support Adam Verdin for South County supervisor.
Through years of volunteering and serving on the Oceano Community Services District and the Vitality Advisory Council of Oceano (VACO), I have learned how people truly work for their communities. Adam Verdin has consistently supported Oceano and South County both personally and financially, especially through his support of VACO and local community efforts.
My experiences with Jimmy Paulding have been very different. During discussions about VACO bylaws, he threatened to disband the group if members did not follow his wishes. At a Halcyon meeting, he also failed to provide meaningful answers regarding concerns about Oceano and Halcyon representation.
I believe leadership should include respect, visibility, and participation in the community. Unfortunately, Paulding has repeatedly failed to attend important Oceano events or show support for local efforts, including community celebrations and public projects.
This endorsement is not about politics. It is based on personal experience and my belief that Adam Verdin will best serve the people of South County.
Karen White
Halcyon
Why I’m for Paulding
As a 13-year resident of Nipomo, with no city government, the SLO County Board of Supervisors is very important, as this is our only political representation. Jimmy Paulding continues to be my choice as our South County supervisor.
He is honest, hard-working and well-informed by involvement with citizens to work on county problems. He studies issues thoroughly to come up with reasoned decisions. He turns away contributions from developers so he will not be influenced by them and has even turned down the salary increase voted on by previous Board of Supervisors members. Vote based on facts, not false political attacks.
Dorothy Modafferi
Nipomo
Former A.G. councilmember supports Verdin
Having served on the Arroyo Grande City Council, I understand the importance of thoughtful, steady leadership and the value of leaders who truly stay connected to their communities. That’s why I’m proud to support Adam Verdin for county supervisor.
Adam brings a practical, community-focused approach to public service. He listens carefully, hears both sides of the issue, and understands that good leadership is about finding solutions that improve life for residents and local businesses alike.
What stands out most about Adam is his deep commitment to South County. Whether through his work supporting local nonprofits, advocating for infrastructure improvements or helping create opportunities for young people, Adam consistently demonstrates a genuine desire to serve others and strengthen our communities.
Also, Adam understands the importance of balancing growth with preserving the character and quality of life that make our county special. Adam approaches issues with common sense, integrity and a willingness to bring people together-qualities we need more of in local government.
I believe Adam Verdin will be a strong and effective voice for District 4, and I encourage voters to support him for county supervisor.
Barbara Harmon
Arroyo Grande
Who do you want to represent you?
I’m voting for Jimmy Paulding for county supervisor, District 4. His challenger, Adam Verdin, has no coherent platform and is running a smear campaign of falsehoods.
As the incumbent, Jimmy Paulding is a strong representative of our community — experienced, knowledgeable and deeply committed to results. Under his leadership, homelessness has decreased by 42% since 2022 through housing, mental health and substance abuse solutions.
Verdin has maligned Paulding on several fronts. He claimed nothing was being done about the Cecchetti Bridge, washed out in January 2023 — almost comical, given that Paulding worked tirelessly on a solution. A temporary bridge is now open, and the permanent one is designed and funded.
Verdin accused Paulding of opposing Prop. 13 — not true. Verdin charged that Paulding voted himself a pay raise — also false. When a raise eventually passed, Paulding declined to accept it for himself (KCBX, May 18, 2023).
It’s disheartening to see a candidate for District 4 barely address the real issues facing South County — water, infrastructure, public safety, and responsible growth — while choosing instead to malign a good man.
Cheryl Barton-Petrie
Arroyo Grande
Adam Verdin understands opportunity
The career I have today was shaped by early opportunities to explore engineering, aviation, and hands-on learning through programs much like the ones Adam Verdin is working to expand. I support Adam because he understands that exposing young people to real-world skills and possibilities early can change the course of their lives. I’ve seen firsthand his commitment to expanding aviation and career technical education opportunities for local students through partnerships with Lucia Mar, Cuesta College and the Oceano Airport.
What stands out most about Adam is that he doesn’t just talk about opportunity, he works to create it. He understands the importance of supporting industries that provide skilled jobs and give talented young people a reason to build their futures here in San Luis Obispo County. Adam listens, thinks practically and focuses on real solutions. He genuinely cares about the future of our communities. I’m proud to support Adam Verdin for supervisor and believe his leadership will help create more of these opportunities for the next generation.
Tres Clements
San Luis Obispo
Get the facts on Patten Map
Before The Tribune criticized Adam Verdin for supporting the Patten Map, they should have asked why so many of us in Oceano supported it in the first place.
Adam supported the Patten Map because it kept our coastal communities together in one district. Oceano has unique challenges and priorities, and Adam understood that our voice should not be diluted or split apart. He fought to ensure Oceano residents had representation that reflected our community.
What’s often left out of this conversation is that the San Luis Obispo Chamber-backed map, the one that ultimately passed, was drafted without meaningful outreach to Oceano or Nipomo residents. Many of us felt excluded from a process that directly impacted our representation.
Whether you agreed with the Patten Map or not, Adam Verdin stood up for Oceano when it mattered. He listened to residents, showed up to conversations, and advocated for keeping coastal communities connected. That is the kind of leadership and representation our district deserves.
Kim Rose, Vice President
Oceano Community Services District
Verdin clarifies position on Prop 13
Supervisor Jimmy Paulding’s record on Proposition 13 protections is a fair and relevant subject for public scrutiny as voters decide who will represent District 4 come June 2.
Supervisor Paulding voted to weaken the county’s legislative language supporting Proposition 13 protections at the same time statewide efforts were actively advancing to reduce the traditional two-thirds threshold for certain local taxes and bonds. This is important because legislative platforms are not symbolic. They indicate priorities, governing philosophy and what elected officials will advocate for on behalf of taxpayers.
SLO County, like many counties in California, adopts a legislative platform and hires a lobbying firm funded by taxpayers to advocate for that platform. Those legislative positions represent board actions and are part of an incumbent’s voting record.
For The Tribune to dismiss that scrutiny as “nonsense” incorrectly minimizes the larger question before voters: Should a county supervisor vote to weaken legislative language supporting Proposition 13 protections, as the incumbent did in September 2023? Supervisor Paulding did exactly that, even denying that the two-thirds voting requirement is an essential part of Proposition 13. With historically high costs of living, working families should know where each candidate stands on this issue.
Adam Verdin
District 4 candidate
Republican support for Paulding
The SLO County Board of Supervisors race has become increasingly partisan. As a Republican, I urge voters to set aside political affiliations and consider the factors that truly matter. Jimmy is exceptionally experienced and well-prepared for this role. With a Cal Poly degree in City and Regional Planning, as well as a law degree, he has effectively honed his leadership expertise serving on the Arroyo Grande City Council, the SLO County Board of Supervisors and several commissions dedicated to our local quality of life. Jimmy gets things done. He was instrumental in achieving several county milestones:
- Adding a sheriff’s substation and increasing CAL FIRE staffing in Nipomo.
- Repealing county gerrymandering.
- Consolidating countywide waste management.
- Offering residents a PG&E alternative through Central Coast Community Energy.
- Balancing the SLO County budget.
Furthermore, he is taking a responsible path toward solving our housing crisis. Rather than being influenced by developers, he works thoughtfully with them on behalf of the residents. I encourage you to vote for Jimmy, regardless of your political party, to ensure we have capable and results-oriented leadership in SLO County.
Arthur F. Herbon
Nipomo
Verdin knows what it takes to run a business
As a small business owner, I know how important it is to have local leaders who understand the challenges of running a business in San Luis Obispo County. That’s why I’m supporting Adam Verdin for county supervisor.
Adam doesn’t just talk about supporting small businesses, he lives it every day. As a co-owner of Old Juan’s Cantina alongside his sister, Eva, he understands the rising costs, regulations, staffing challenges and day-to-day realities local business owners face. He knows what it takes to keep a family business running and to create jobs in our community.
I’ve also seen Adam’s commitment to South County firsthand. He shows up, listens to people and genuinely cares about making our communities stronger. Whether it’s supporting local restaurants, improving infrastructure or creating opportunities for the next generation, Adam approaches issues with practical, common-sense leadership.
We need someone at the county level who understands both business and community. Adam Verdin is that person, and I’m proud to support him for supervisor.
Marios Pouyioukkas
Oceano
Paulding the ‘clear winner’
As a senior registered as no party preference, I study the issues and listen carefully to debates and radio interviews.. I vote for the candidate, not the political party.
Mr. Paulding is the clear winner. He was enthusiastic and well-prepared at the League of Women Voter debate forum. Mr. Verdin was bored and only could give attack or very simple answers, that is when he remembered the question. It was concerning that he didn’ t take notes and had to ask many times for a repeat of the question.
Mr. Verdin showed a lack of new ideas and dragged out the old scare tactic of Proposition 13. Does he feel the voters today will continue to fall for this? It is a California Constitutional amendment!
Living in Nipomo, I am grateful that the sheriff’s substation will finally be built after many years of talk. Roads are getting better. Mr. Paulding is endorsed by the SLO County Firefighters Association. This is leadership, this is doing his job for our community.
Glenn Eineman
Nipomo
Trib got it wrong
I have lived in South County for many years and have had the honor of serving as an elected official, fire chief and current county planning commissioner for District 3. Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked with leaders across the political spectrum. Public safety, emergency preparedness and responsible planning should rise above party politics. That’s why I believe The Tribune was wrong to endorse Jimmy Paulding over Adam Verdin for District 4 supervisor.
Ironically, the editorial acknowledged many of Adam’s strengths, describing him as approachable, thoughtful and committed to helping working families. It also recognized that San Luis Obispo County cannot continue treating housing developers as villains if we want future generations to afford living here.
Adam understands balance. He supports workforce housing while recognizing the importance of infrastructure, water reliability and public safety. He has spent years serving the community through nonprofits, business leadership and civic engagement.
What stands out most is Adam’s willingness to listen and learn. In a small county, collaboration matters. We need leaders who unite people rather than divide them into political camps. Adam reminds me of leaders like Katcho Achadjian, Paul Teixeira, and Frank Mecham — moderates who put the county first.
This election should be about choosing the person best prepared to lead. I believe that person is Adam Verdin.
Steve Lieberman
Grover Beach
Verdin’s ‘stale’ campaign
Adam Verdin’s stale campaign promises to lower taxes while improving infrastructure underscore the fact that he does not have the skill set needed to manage the complexities of county government.
Jimmy Paulding has a degree in city and regional planning as well as a law practice. He was a member of the Arroyo Grande City Council and continues to serve on several advisory boards. As a member of the SLO County Board of Supervisors, Paulding always brings insight and clarity to the discussion of complex issues. Paulding’s voting record shows that he is not an extremist but a thoughtful member of the board who represents his district with integrity.
Adam Verdin says he wants to prioritize public safety, but Jimmy Paulding has already demonstrated a commitment to public safety and the ability to deliver for the residents of District 4. Supervisor Paulding sponsored a much-needed sheriff substation in Nipomo. He also helped to increase fire crew staffing in Nipomo and to fully fund the Oceano fire service.
This is no time to elect an amateur. Reelect Jimmy Paulding to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors.
Molly Machin
Nipomo
I’m with Jimmy
In an era when public trust in government often feels like a lost cause, it’s easy to become cynical. But every now and then you come across a leader who doesn’t just talk about values — they live them. For the last three years, I’ve watched Jimmy Paulding do exactly that.
He’s not chasing headlines. He shows up to clean-up events, walks the neighborhoods, and really listens.
His commitment to older adults led to the county’s first-ever Master Plan on Aging — guiding long-term improvements in healthcare access, senior infrastructure and aging-in-place supports countywide. He didn’t do it for the applause. He did it because people needed it.
Seven years on the SLO County Air Pollution Control District, advocating for cleaner air on the Nipomo Mesa when others had given up — PM10 pollution is now down nearly 40% on high-wind days.
He made behavioral health a county priority because people deserved better. He tackled homelessness with systems — housing, outreach, mental health services — and unsheltered homelessness is down 31%.
Integrity isn’t loud. It shows up, year after year, in the decisions a leader makes when no one is watching.
We need more leaders like Jimmy Paulding. Vote for him June 2.
Terry Parry
Arroyo Grande
Who deserves credit for Cecchetti Bridge?
Adam Verdin is trying to take credit for opening Cecchetti Road when those of us who have been denied safe access for the past several years have been thwarted by his efforts and the efforts of his supporters, including members of the Board of Supervisors who have endorsed his candidacy after voting against efforts of Jimmy Paulding.
Jimmy Paulding is the one responsible for tireless efforts to provide safe access for our neighborhood and the Branch Elementary School.
We have followed various proposals, tentative agreements and reneging on agreements, which appear to have been orchestrated to delay replacement of the spillway with a bridge. We know who has been against the bridge, and we know who has fought for it.
It is not Mr. Verdin and his developer friends — never has been.
If Jimmy Paulding is not reelected, we will not have a permanent bridge. Jimmy Paulding has the knowledge, training and experience needed to deal with issues like the Cecchetti Road bridge.
Jimmy Paulding will continue to do what is right for the people of this District 4 and the county of San Luis Obispo.
Stephen Dorsi
Arroyo Grande