Carlyn Christianson gives her closing statement during the SLO Chamber’s Candidate forum in May.
Carlyn Christianson was declared the winner of the fifth San Luis Obispo City Council seat on June 18, following a special vote-by-mail election. She will be sworn in July 2.
Christianson joins a council that will soon take up important issues such as updating the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) and implementing the city’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. Both issues will shape the community and the business landscape of the City for the next 20 years.
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce asked the newest Council Member a few questions. Here are her responses.
It has been well reported that the Council has been noticeably divided in recent decisions with the absence of a fifth member. How will the addition of your style affect the dynamics of the council?
I have no idea of how my style will affect the council in reality; we’ll have to see! Just the addition of a fifth member might help, no matter what style. But I have a record of consistently behaving cordially and respectfully-sometimes even with a sense of humor-to everyone, whether they be the public, staff, or the people sitting on the dais with me, and whether or not I was in agreement or disagreement with their opinion. Generally the Council has behaved the same way, but when not, I hope that by this example they can be reminded that we represent the city and its people, and I believe the vast majority of the city’s residents want to see its leaders consistently conduct themselves with decorum and respectfulness.
What was the biggest surprise through the election process?
What surprised me then was how much hard work it is, and how hard it is to get information to the public.
Of the issues currently facing San Luis Obispo which is your highest priority and why?
Land use, housing and homelessness, which are all tied together and are part of the City’s major goals as expressed by the community and by the Council.