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City Council: Who are you voting for? 

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Paso Robles voters are facing a hotly contested election for city council this coming Nov. 4. Five candidates are running for two open seats. How do you plan to vote? Take our poll below and tell us!

[yop_poll id=”10″]

Information on the candidates for Paso Robles City Council, in alphabetical order, is taken from the San Luis Obispo County Clerk’s sample ballot:

PAMELA AVILA

Occupation: Director of Economic Development, Technology Industry Consultant

Education and Qualifications: University of Michigan. My goal is to provide the city of El Paso de Robles with the strong leadership and vision needed to address the many challenges we will face as we continue to grow, while maintaining or enhancing our quality of life. As an executive, entrepreneur and small business owner in the Silicon Valley technology industry, I bring knowledge of and experience with businesses of every size. I also understand the impact of technology on business and education, today and into the future.

As Director of Economic Development at the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, I have put much of that experience and knowledge to use to create relationships, programs and education to benefit our local businesses, which are the backbone of our community.

Understanding the importance of Community Development, I currently serve on the Workforce Investment Board and the CA Career Paths taskforce, both focusing on jobs and job skills to keep our residents employable and employed.

I believe Vision must be supported by Leadership, Courage and Action for the good of all Paso Roblans.

STEVE GREGORY

Occupation: Businessman, Planning Commissioner

Education and Qualifications: Paso Robles is a wonderful place to live and to work. As a 34 year resident, I am committed to balancing our quality of life with the success of our local businesses and new economic development. The challenges are many, but I have the varied experience in both private business and as a volunteer in local government to meet those complex challenges.

I am committed to returning City services that are important to residents, including reopening Centennial pool. I strongly believe in increased government transparency about projects and finances and in using technology for easier public access. I strongly believe in economic development and I support new businesses, streamlined City approval processes, and supporting our existing businesses. We need to do more for our residents and businesses and we can!

As a Planning Commissioner for 5+ years, I know how to prepare for City Council work and I know how to involve the community, businesses, and City staff in moving the City forward. I have a large and small business background, I know this City well, and I am fiscally responsible. I pledge to work hard for our City and I respectfully ask for your vote.

JOHN R. HAMON, JR.

Occupation: Businessman, Incumbent Councilmember

Education and Qualifications: It has been my honor and privilege to serve my fellow Roblans as Councilmember for the last eight years. I remain committed to working in the best interest of Paso Robles and ask you for the opportunity to continue representing you. I consider myself, after 38 years, a successful and financially responsible small business owner that votes prudently with your public tax dollars.

I support a solid City-Business community relationship for a strong and healthy Paso Robles. Our agricultural small town heritage and the products we produce are appreciated and recognized by our many visitors. Their dollars support our city with important sales tax funding our public services such as police, fire, library and recreational departments.

I am a fourth generation son of the central coast and have been pleased to serve you on our city Volunteer Fire Department for 19 years, 5 years on the Planning Commission, 8 years on County of San Luis Obispo regional boards.

I ask for the honor of your vote of confidence in allowing my depth of experience and knowledge to continue to serve on your City Council. Thank you for your past support of me and making Paso Robles a very special place.

DUANE PICANCO

Occupation: Mayor, Retired Businessman

Education and Qualifications: As your mayor, I have helped steer our City through tough economic times! We have a balanced budget and no deficit spending. Through smart planning, we now have the funds to begin increasing the staff for the Police Department and to begin the much needed maintenance to the roads, parks, and public buildings throughout our City! I have focused on using our funds to fix problems and not analyze them with excessive reports!

I raised my children in Paso Robles! I actively volunteer in many organizations including Lions Club, Youth Baseball, Youth Football, St. Rose Church, the County’s LAFCO Board, CAP SLO. I always support cooperation between the City and the Public Schools for the betterment of the students and the community. It is time to engage the community and volunteers to improve our City in this time of need.

Keeping our community safe and prosperous for our residents has been my primary focus throughout many years of serving my community. I represent you! Real experience gives real knowledge for real responsible decisions! I am here to work with you!

Thank you for your vote! Together, we will make Paso Robles an even better place to live!!!.

JIM REED

Occupation: Self-Employed Designer, Draftsman

Education and Qualifications: More than twenty-seven years ago, when I moved here, Paso Robles was a community based on small town values and principles. Everyday decisions were being made that supported those ideals. Today, decisions being made on our behalf are directed by outside influences. The result of this policy is that Paso Robles is no longer the family-friendly community with the quality of life that we desire.

After years of watching our principles and values being eroded, we’ve come to the point where the citizens are no longer being represented. Citizens now feel they are invisible and irrelevant when it comes to the decisions being made on their behalf. For example, two years ago, the citizens wanted Centennial Pool to be opened to provide summer jobs for our youth, swimming lessons, and a wholesome place for families to socialize. Still, the pool is closed. 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
requests of the citizens.

I ask for your vote.

Editor’s note: This unscientific poll allows one person to vote for two candidates and limits votes to one per IP address.

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About the author: Publisher Scott Brennan

Scott Brennan is the publisher of this newspaper and founder of Access Publishing. Follow him on Twitter, LinkedIn, or follow his blog.