Three vie for two Paso Robles City Council seats

Posted: 2:38 am, August 30, 2016 by Reporter Heather Young

City clerk, treasurer races are uncontested

–Three candidates will vie for two open seats on the Paso Robles City Council this November. Two of the candidates are the incumbents: Paso Robles City Council incumbent Fred Strong and appointed Councilman Steve Gregory. They will be challenged by one-time Pismo Beach mayoral candidate Kevin Kreowski.

Strong has served on the council since 2004, re-elected in 2008 and 2012. “I recognize that I cannot please everyone on every decision made,” Strong said. “I can only do my best as a concerned, involved and caring human being. Humans are just that: human. I have probably made a few mistakes, in some people’s minds. I can only hope that they see the good decisions also. I believe I have been, and will continue to be, good for the City of El Paso de Robles. I trust the people to continue me in office so that I can bring them the best opportunities and services to be had within our means at any given time.”

Gregory was appointed two years ago by the city council after Steve Martin was elected as mayor, vacating his council seat. Out of five candidates vying for two seats, Gregory came in fifth, 1.5-percent behind the second highest vote-getter, Jim Reed.

“I am committed to the citizens of Paso Robles,” said Gregory. “I’ve worked hard to restore city services, fix the roads and re-open the Centennial Pool. I love this city and want to continue making a difference with a progressive and communicative approach to getting things done.”

Paso Robles newcomer Kreowski challenged the Pismo Beach mayor in 2014, and lost the bid against incumbent Shelley Higginbotham by a small margin.

Only two years into his four-year term, Martin could possibly vacate another office halfway through because he is currently running for San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors against John Pechong. In the primary election in June, Pechong got the most number of votes, followed by Martin. Pechong got 45 percent and Martin 35 percent. They were trailed by Paso Robles City Councilman John Hamon Jr. and Dale Gustin.

Two other races, for city clerk and treasurer, are uncontested:

City Clerk