Haven’t voted yet? Here’s our roundup of endorsements for the March 2020 primary

All eyes are on the presidential primary, but for San Luis Obispo County, this also is a key election on the local front.

Three seats on the county Board of Supervisors will be decided outright on Tuesday, and the result could tilt the balance of power on the conservative-dominated board.

In Oceano, the election will determine whether the community remains with the Five Cities Fire Authority, or turns to the county for fire protection.

And finally, the sole statewide ballot measure — Proposition 13 — would make $15 billion dollars available for school construction and upgrades if it passes.

Here are the recommendations of The Tribune Editorial Board.

Board of Supervisors District 1: John Peschong

John Peschong, who is running for a second term, is far and away the more qualified candidate. Especially over the past year, the conservative Peschong has shown an increasing willingness to work with — and occasionally vote with — his liberal colleagues. He’s also been trying to broker compromises between the the liberal and conservative factions, and his steady, professional demeanor helps keep the board grounded.

His opponent, Stephanie Shakofsky, has an impressive background in public policy and land reclamation, but there are gaping holes in her knowledge of local issues. She got into the race at the last minute, apparently motivated primarily by one issue: cannabis cultivation.

Board of Supervisors District 3: No endorsement

Incumbent Adam Hill, who is seeking a fourth term, is good on policy, particularly on preparing for the upcoming closure of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant. He also is committed to working on the county’s most pressing problems, such as homelessness and the housing shortage. However, his history of verbally abusive, unprofessional behavior cannot be ignored and for that, reason, we decline to offer our endorsement.

Hill’s opponent, Stacy Korsgaden, has no political experience and her positions on the issues are alarming and sometimes out of touch. She is such a champion of the state’s Oceano Dunes off-road park that we fear she would prioritize interests of off-roaders over Nipomo Mesa residents living with harmful dust emissions traced to the riding area.

When asked about climate change and sea level rise, she chose to focus on the litter problem.

Board of Supervisors, District 5: Ellen Beraud

Ellen Beraud’s addition to the board would finally allow the county to effectively address key issues like affordable housing, homelessness and climate change. She has experience in local government, having served on the Atascadero City Council, and her ability to withstand the extremely negative attacks she’s been subjected to in this campaign proves her resiliency.

Her opponent, incumbent Debbie Arnold, is part of a board majority that has been too slow to respond to crises. For example, 84 percent of homes built in unincorporated areas between 2014 and 2018 were for wealthier residents earning above moderate income. That’s the opposite of what we need. Yet Arnold is still reluctant to change course, even after a decade of failed housing policies.

Measure A-20, the Oceano Fire Tax: Yes

The $180-a-year parcel tax would generate $422,000 in its first year. For property owners, it works out to $15 per month — roughly the cost of a large pizza.

If the measure doesn’t get the two-thirds majority needed to pass, Oceano faces an uncertain future. The community will likely turn to San Luis Obispo County for fire protection, and that could mean a reduction in service.

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Why 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.

Proposition 13: Yes

Proposition 13 is a $15 billion bond measure that will provide much-needed revenue to upgrade aging school buildings and fund new construction. It will be repaid through the state’s General Fund.

It also raises the limit that individual school districts can borrow for capital projects, which could raise local property taxes. However, that borrowing would have to be placed on the ballot and approved by 55% of voters before taxes could increase.

The measure has bipartisan support, including from local Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham, R-San Luis Obispo.

This story was originally published March 2, 2020 at 5:00 AM.