Former Atascadero Mayor Ellen Beraud has raised $283,937 in her bid for SLO County’s 5th District supervisor’s seat, outpacing long-time incumbent Debbie Arnold’s $240,630 by more than $43,000 during the same reporting period.
Beraud’s surging fundraising numbers are reflected in her growing list of endorsements, campaign volunteers and the telltale yard-sign and billboard placement contest throughout the district.
New campaign financial disclosure reports released Jan. 23 show contributions spanning last July to Jan. 18 this year. Beraud’s campaign received more than 1,600 individual contributions since launching her campaign, with 85% totaling $100 or less.
Conversely, Arnold’s campaign reported $6,500 in contributions from oil and gas related interests, including backers of the Plains All American oil pipeline. Arnold also has accepted thousands of dollars from out-of-state individuals and businesses.
Ellen’s contributions reflect her grassroots, widespread community support. “From leaders in business and agriculture to unions and community groups, our campaign has a wide and diverse coalition of supporters,” Ellen said in response to the numbers. “It’s clear that most voters in the 5th District and throughout SLO County are ready for new leadership on the Board of Supervisors. This is our year!”
On the heels of these financial filings, two political action committees (PACs) popped up to oppose Beraud, filing papers the next day with the San Luis Obispo County Clerk- Recorder’s Office. The PACs call themselves “Friends of Veterans of San Luis Obispo County” and “Back the Badge PAC.”
PACs historically have been used by campaigns in SLO County to distance candidates from their negative, often false or misleading messaging directed at their opponents.
“This is the last thing SLO County voters need or want – more Washington-style politics,” Ellen said of the new PACs.
“We already have divisive politics nationally and a horribly dysfunctional Board of Supervisors locally. We don’t need more false and misleading messages filling our airwaves,” she said.
“Our campaign won’t rely on dirty PAC money because we believe voters need to hear directly from candidates and their campaigns – not from mysterious PACs using un- sourced money to smear opponents and confuse voters.”
Ellen Beraud is a former Atascadero mayor and City Council member, a small business owner, and a 30-year healthcare professional at Atascadero State Hospital. She’s been active in the North County community for more than 20 years.
The 5th District encompasses Atascadero, Santa Margarita, Garden Farms, Creston, California Valley, East Templeton and the north side of the city of San Luis Obispo.
Voting by mail begins Feb. 3 for the winner-take-all election on Tuesday, March 3. Visit EllenForSupervisor.com to learn more.