Which candidates are best suited to lead Atascadero? Here are The Tribune’s choices
Both incumbents in the Atascadero race — Mayor Heather Moreno and Councilman Charles Bourbeau — deserve to be reelected.
They are smart, have a wealth of experience and are well suited to guiding the city through this unsettling time of crisis.
Moreno impressed us early on in the pandemic when she announced back in mid-March, via a videotaped message, that there was a positive case of coronavirus in Atascadero.
That was even before the county began releasing statistics by location.
“I wanted people to have a level of comfort that we’re on top of things,” Moreno said at the time.
She’s also willing to take on sensitive issues. When some community members approached her about issuing a statement repudiating Atascadero’s founding as a “whites only” community, she agreed to pursue that; the issue will be discussed by council this month.
Her background in finance — Moreno is a CPA — is another asset. And while she’s politically conservative Moreno is willing to “cross the aisle,” so to speak.
For example, she voted in favor of putting a sales tax measure on the November ballot and told The Tribune Editorial Board she personally supports it. Given that some Republican leaders still staunchly oppose any new tax, that’s saying something.
Bourbeau’s record
Charles Bourbeau, a former finance director for the city of San Luis Obispo, describes himself both as a “policy wonk” and “an out-of-the-closet moderate.”
When we endorsed Bourbeau for council four years ago, we said we expected him to bring a different point of view to council discussions. He didn’t disappoint; Bourbeau isn’t afraid to be the only one in the room — or on the dais — espousing a particular point view.
For instance, during an early discussion of cannabis operations, he was the only member of council open to possibly allowing commercial marijuana sales and cultivation within the city, as long as they are safely regulated.
“Let’s face it — people in our city are going to use this,” he said at the time.
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.
More recently, he told The Tribune Editorial Board that he believes it was a mistake not to consider joining Central Coast Community Energy, a community choice energy program that gives rate payers an alternative to PG&E. Atascadero is the only city in San Luis Obispo that does not belong.
Bourbeau doesn’t see this as a political issue. “It’s simply about choice,” he said.
We agree, and strongly urge the newly seated City Council to at least place the issue on the agenda for discussion.
Who should replace Fonzi?
The retirement of Roberta Fonzi leaves a gaping hole on the council. Two current planning commissioners, Mark Dariz and Tori Keen, both are qualified for the position and would make good council members.
This was not an easy decision, but we like the personal approach Keen brings to government.
Keen is truly a grassroots candidate; she’s coached youth soccer, she’s a big booster of local businesses and she keeps tabs on the little things, such as which streets are in bad shape. She invites residents to reach out if they have a problem that needs solving.
“I want to have an open email box policy,” she said on Facebook.
She also has a good understanding of the fiscal challenges facing Atascadero and strongly supports the sales tax measure.
“Getting that passed is the most crucial issue at this time,” she said in a Q&A session, “Ask Me Anything,” she held on Facebook. “It’s literally going to change this city.”
The Tribune strongly endorses Tori Keen and Charles Bourbeau for Atascadero City Council and Heather Moreno for mayor.
This story was originally published October 7, 2020 at 5:30 AM.