Five candidates running for two city council seats

Posted: 10:13 am, August 15, 2014 by Reporter Heather Young

Paso Robles City Hall

Steve Martin running for mayoral seat unopposed

The election filing period for two seats on the Paso Robles City Council and one for city mayor ended on Wednesday. It had been extended a few days because the current mayor, Duane Picanco, did not file for re-election as mayor. Instead he filed to run for a council seat. Councilman Ed Steinbeck did not file for re-election. Steinbeck’s and John Hamon’s seats are up for election this November. Current Councilman Steve Martin will run unopposed for the mayoral seat.

On the Nov. 4 ballot for Paso Robles City Council, the candidates are Pamela Avila, Steve Gregory, Hamon, Picanco and Jim Reed.

“I support a solid city-business community relationship for a strong and healthy Paso Robles,” Hamon wrote in his candidate’s statement. “Our agricultural small town heritage and the products we produce are appreciated and recognized for our many visitors.”

Gregory said that he is committed to balancing residents’ quality of life with the success of local businesses and new economic development. “The challenges are many,” he wrote in his candidate’s statement, “but I have the varied experience in both private business and as a volunteer in local government to meet those complex challenges.”

“Today, decisions are being made on our behalf are directed by outside influences,” 27-year Paso Robles resident Reed wrote in his candidate’s statement. “The result of this policy is that Paso Robles is no longer the family-friendly community with the quality of life that we desire. … This needs to change. The values and principles of the citizens need to be respected. I see the need for strong, principled leadership that will actually listen and represent the views and request of the citizens.”

Picanco said his primary focus has been keeping the community safe and prosperous for the residents. “I represent you,” he wrote in his candidate’s statement, “real experience gives real knowledge for real responsible decisions.”

Avila said her goal is to provide the city with the strong leadership and vision needed to address “the many challenges we face as we continue to grow, while maintaining or enhancing our quality of life.”

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