U.S. Air Force officer, former Cal Poly vice president announces mayoral candidacy
Britton’s campaign held a kickoff event last week
– Bill Britton, a retired U.S. Air Force officer and former Cal Poly vice president, has announced his candidacy for mayor of Paso Robles. His announcement follows Mayor John Hamon’s decision to step down in December.
Britton’s campaign held a kickoff event last week, drawing a crowd of volunteers and residents, according to the announcement.
“The turnout at our kickoff last week was humbling,” Britton said. “To see such a huge group of motivated volunteers ready to walk precincts and talk to their neighbors confirms what I’ve felt for a long time: Paso Robles is ready for a leader who brings people together rather than driving them apart. This isn’t just a campaign; it’s a movement of citizens who care deeply about the future of our home.”
Hamon endorsed Britton’s candidacy.
“I’m proud to support and endorse Bill Britton for Mayor,” Hamon said. “He represents the next generation of leadership for the City of Paso Robles. Our community deserves a mayor who understands our values, listens to residents, and delivers results. Bill brings energy, integrity, and a clear vision to move our city forward while protecting what makes Paso Robles special.”
Paso Robles Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Gregory also endorsed Britton.
“I have known and worked with Bill Britton for over eight years now,” Gregory said. “He has the leadership skills, incredible experience and the know how from his extensive education and high level of management training to help lead us into the future. I am proud to support and fully endorse Bill Britton for Mayor.”
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson cited Britton’s work on public safety infrastructure in his endorsement.
“Public safety is the foundation of any thriving community,” Parkinson said. “Bill Britton understands the challenges our law enforcement officers face and has a proven track record of supporting the men and women who keep us safe. His direct work on creating the Cyber Forensics Crime Lab has proven critical to assisting in solving many high-profile cases. I trust Bill to prioritize the security and well-being of every Paso Robles neighborhood.”
San Luis Obispo County Supervisor John Peschong also endorsed Britton.
“Bill Britton is exactly the kind of steady, experienced hand Paso Robles needs,” Peschong said. “His background in the U.S. Air Force and his deep understanding of our regional economy make him the clear choice to lead. Bill doesn’t just talk about problems; he will solve them with common sense and integrity.”
James Maravagila, vice president emeritus of strategic enrollment management and marketing strategy at Cal Poly, endorsed Britton based on their time working together.
“I had the privilege of working alongside Bill as cabinet members at Cal Poly for nearly a decade,” Maravagila said. “He’s a proven leader who knows how to fix what’s not working, protect what makes a community strong, and build for the future! At a time when cities face growing complex issues, he brings background, judgment and forward thinking leadership we need in Paso Robles.”
Former state Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham also endorsed Britton.
“I’ve seen firsthand Bill’s commitment to our community and his ability to work across the aisle to get things done,” Cunningham said. “He is a true independent who isn’t beholden to special interests.”
Past school board member and Cuesta College trustee Dee Lacy expressed her support as well.
“I am proud to support Bill Britton for mayor,” Lacy said. “We are fortunate to have someone of his caliber dedicated to serving our local government. I encourage everyone to explore his extensive biography on his website; I believe you’ll see, as I do, that he is the ideal candidate to lead Paso Robles.”
Josh Biven, a Paso Robles resident and chief executive officer of Bivin Advisors, endorsed Britton.
“Bill brings integrity, discipline, and a proven ability to solve complex problems,” Biven said. “I trust him to lead with accountability and put our community first.”
Britton, who has been involved in the Paso Robles Air & Space Port initiative, plans to engage with residents through community listening tours and neighborhood conversations in the coming months. More information about his background and platform is available at www.bill4pasorobles.com.
Britton is the only candidate in the running currently, according to the Paso Robles Elections Website.
