Still undecided on local races? Here’s a recap of Tribune endorsements.

A campaign season like none other in the history of our nation is drawing to a close, and on this, at least, we should all agree: The end cannot come soon enough.

Many voters have already cast their ballots. Good for you. Others, though, may be vacillating not only about how to vote, but whether to vote at all. That’s understandable, given the gut-wrenching nature of this election not only at the national level, but also at state and local levels.

We urge you, though, to resist the temptation to sit this one out; the stakes are too high to let others decide the outcome.

Remember, too, that sometimes just a few votes can tip the scales, especially in local races. In 2014, for example, Pismo Beach Mayor Shelly Higginbotham won by just two votes.

If you haven’t voted yet, make a plan to do so.

Undecided on certain races? Here is a recap of The Tribune’s positions on select races:

President: Hillary Clinton

Yes, both candidates are flawed. Clinton’s handling of emails while she was secretary of state is especially troubling, as is her evasiveness when questioned about the Clinton Foundation. But as we said in our endorsement, we believe Clinton has the capacity to learn from her mistakes. She also has the experience and self-discipline required of a commander in chief.

Congress: Salud Carbajal

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Salud Carbajal has experience and a proven ability to work with his conservative colleagues on the board. His opponent, Justin Fareed, is emphasizing his youth and “fresh ideas” but brings nothing of substance to the table.

Assembly: Dawn Ortiz-Legg

Democrat Dawn Ortiz-Legg will better reflect the moderate leanings of the Central Coast and will approach issues without ideological blinders.

Supervisor, District 1: Steve Martin

Like Frank Mecham before him, Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin is an independent thinker who would bring balance to the board, especially on critical issues such as declining water supplies, oil trains, the lack of affordable housing, crumbling roads, homelessness and the looming closure of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.

Supervisor, District 3: Adam Hill

What’s at stake in this election isn’t whether Adam Hill or Dan Carpenter is more likeable. The candidates’ voting records and positions on the issues are what’s important to the future of San Luis Obispo County. On that score, we believe the county is in better hands with Hill.

Arroyo Grande mayor: Richard Waller

Arroyo Grande needs a fresh start with a new leader. Richard Waller is thoughtful and knows the issues, and a strong proponent of civility and transparency.

Arroyo Grande City Council: Kristen Barneich, Caren Ray

Incumbent Kristen Barneich and Caren Ray, a former councilwoman and county supervisor, are experienced candidates who would help the city get past the divisiveness of the past couple of years.

Atascadero mayor: Tom O’Malley

Incumbent Tom O’Malley has the political experience, the knowledge of local and regional politics and the professionalism required for the job. Bonus: He’s one of the hardest working mayors we’ve ever encountered.

Atascadero City Council: Charles Bourbeau, Roberta Fonzi

Incumbent Roberta Fonzi is hardworking, articulate and scores points for responsiveness to constituents. Charles Bourbeau, a city planning commissioner and former finance director for the the city of San Luis Obispo, would bring a new perspective to the council.

Grover Beach mayor: John Shoals

Mayor John Shoals continues to impress us as an articulate, hardworking and responsive leader who is focused on results.

Grover Beach City Council: Jeff Lee, Debbie Peterson

Jeff Lee is an approachable, respectful council member who’s in tune with his constituents. Debbie Peterson, a former mayor, has experience and name recognition — but we caution her to work on building consensus, rather than sowing dissension.

Morro Bay mayor: Jamie Irons

Incumbent Jamie Irons is a forward-looking mayor with an ambitious agenda that includes moving forward with the wastewater treatment plant.

Morro Bay City Council: Robert Davis, Marlys McPherson

Both candidates have impressive records of public service and a common-sense approach to governance.

Paso Robles City Council: Steve Gregory, Fred Strong

Incumbents Steve Gregory and Fred Strong have established records as hardworking, responsive council members.

Pismo Beach mayor: Ed Waage

Ed Waage has experience — he’s served two terms on the City Council — leadership ability, and he knows the issues facing South County inside and out.

Pismo Beach City Council: Marcia Guthrie, Erik Howell

Marcia Guthrie is articulate, she has a strong grasp of a range of issues, and she’s especially concerned with protecting Pismo’s quality of life. Incumbent Erik Howell is the best choice for the second seat. He’s been under fire for some of his actions on the state Coastal Commission, but we believe voters should select who is the best candidate for council — not for Coastal Commission — and after reviewing the qualifications and experience of the other candidates, we recommend sticking with Howell.

San Luis Obispo mayor: Jan Marx

Particularly over the past two years, incumbent Jan Marx has been especially strong in advocating on behalf of the long-term health, safety and economic welfare of San Luis Obispo. Example: Of all locally elected officials, she’s been the most vocal in raising concerns about the proposed rail spur at the Phillips 66 refinery on Nipomo Mesa, which would accommodate shipments of crude oil by rail.

San Luis Obispo City Council: Aaron Gomez, Andy Pease

Both candidates would bring energy, youth and a fresh perspective to some of the biggest challenges that face the city of San Luis Obispo, including the shortage of workforce housing.

Measure J, transportation sales tax: Yes

That half-cent sales tax would raise $25 million per year for nine years for local and regional projects. The money is guaranteed to stay in San Luis Obispo County. We believe it’s one of the best and most necessary investments we could ever make.

This story was originally published November 6, 2016 at 8:28 PM with the headline "Still undecided on local races? Here’s a recap of Tribune endorsements.."