In letters: Support your local firefighters. Vote yes on Paso sales tax measure | Opinion

Firefighters endorse Paso Robles Measure I-24

As Paso Roblans consider voting yes on Measure I-24, the Professional Firefighters Association would like to share why we see I-24 as a public safety priority and strongly endorse I-24.

It is important to note that I-24 is not a new tax, but a continuation of measure E-12, a ½ cent sales tax scheduled to sunset this year. Since 2012, E-12 has raised more than $78 million dollars and funded 44 separate road projects. As many will recall, in 2020, Paso Robles voters approved Measure J-20, which was a general tax that provides critical funding for police, fire and street maintenance. That money is critical for public safety as it funds 15 fire personnel, 27 police officers and support staff and various public safety projects.

If I-24 is not approved, the most obvious place to obtain road repair funding is from J-20. Consequently, less funding will be available for your police and fire departments, resulting in cuts to police officers and firefighters. This is the reason I-24 is a significant public safety issue. By voting yes, voters will not see a tax increase and tourists relieve some of the burden on community members. Please vote yes on Measure I-24.

Charles Brown and the Paso Robles Firefighters Association

Support A.G. sales tax measure

As a local business owner, I am concerned that the city of Arroyo Grande is falling behind on its support of police, fire, parks and roadways. Measure E would raise the AG sales tax 1% to provide the funds needed to support these infrastructure needs for the next 10 years. Then it will go away.

Over 40% of the AG roadways are currently in poor or failed condition. Repairing these roads can cost 10-20 times more than it costs to repair roadways in good condition. If we don’t give the city the funds to do this work, our costs will continue to skyrocket to an obscene amount.

Of the current 7.75% sales tax, 6% goes to the state and .25% goes to the county. Only 1.5% stays local. We need this Measure E-24 funding to keep our beloved AG strong. Please vote yes for Measure E.

Jeff Olds

Arroyo Grande

Lichtig for Harbor Commission

We have known and admired Katie Lichtig for years. She is a top-notch leader, manager and caring person. She’s now a candidate for the Port San Luis Harbor Commission. Katie is committed to keeping Avila Beach the special gem we all love, and she has the skills to meet the challenges ahead while preserving the character of Port San Luis. We need Katie Lichtig’s energy and experience on the Harbor Commission. We wholeheartedly urge voters in Division 2 of the Harbor District to elect Katie Lichtig this Nov. 5.

Maggie and Dave Cox

San Luis Obispo

Marketplace event helps women entrepreneurs

The Women’s Business Center Marketplace, hosted by the Mission Community Services Corp., is more than just a market — it’s a platform for empowering local women-owned businesses and fostering community-driven economic growth. This initiative allows women entrepreneurs to showcase their products, connect with customers and strengthen their foothold in the local economy.

For over 18 years, the Women’s Business Center has supported women entrepreneurs through training, mentorship and access to capital, helping them overcome the unique challenges they face in business. The Marketplace is a tangible extension of this mission, providing visibility and opportunity for small businesses to thrive. Supporting these businesses means investing in our local economy. When we buy from women-owned businesses, we help them grow, keeping money within our community, creating jobs, and building long-term economic resilience.

The Women’s Business Center Marketplace represents a critical step toward a more inclusive and vibrant economy. By attending and supporting this marketplace, we all play a part in empowering women entrepreneurs who are shaping our community’s future. Let’s show up for them — because when they succeed, we all succeed. Join us Sunday, Oct. 20, from noon to 4 p.m. at 71 Zaca Lane in San Luis Obispo.

Patti Fox

Program Director