The 2016 election season presents to voters so much more than a historic presidential election. This fall, San Luis Obispo County voters will be asked to replace longtime state and national office holders. You will support, or not, a countywide sales tax that will fund transportation infrastructure projects, and will vote on the legalization of recreational marijuana.
As we are big fans of civic participation in all forms, we wanted to make it as easy as possible for anyone to be an informed voter.
To that end we have created an election information page where you can find information and videos introducing you to candidate’s views, clarifying propositions, and shedding light on local measures.
As we work our way through this election season we will update this site with helpful information like videos explaining just what is a ballot referendum, and guidelines for political communications to employees.
2016 Voter Guide
Navigating the Ballot
Advocacy on issues that impact our members.
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce is continually working for you by analyzing, studying and tracking issues being discussed by legislators in Sacramento, San Luis Obispo County and City that could potentially impact your organization, and our community. When the polls open on November 8, you will be asked to vote in support or opposition to a wide range of propositions and measures that could affect business in San Luis Obispo County.
Click here to download the Voter Guide pdf
SLO County
MEASURE I – Lucia Mar Unified School District facilities bond
YES, as it supports the Chamber’s value on high quality instruction and serving the K-12 educational needs of our region
MEASURE J – SLO County Self-Help initiative
YES, as it provides local control in order to self-fund specific, regional transportation projects
MEASURE M – Paso Robles Joint Unified School District facilities bond
YES, as it supports the Chamber’s value on high quality instruction and serving the K-12 educational needs of our region
California
PROPOSITION 51 – Funding for K-12 school and community college facilities
YES, as it makes education more affordable and accessible in California
PROPOSITION 52 – Extension of the Medi-Cal hospital fee program
YES, as it allows local hospitals to provide a higher standard of medical care
PROPOSITION 53 – Voter approval for bond-funded infrastructure over $2 billion
NO, as it would cause delays on projects, erode local control and result in higher costs for new infrastructure
PROPOSITION 54 – Access to state legislative proceedings
YES, as it enhances state government transparency, accountability and citizen engagement
PROPOSITION 55 – Tax extension to fund education and healthcare
NEUTRAL
PROPOSITION 57 – Juvenile criminal proceedings and sentencing
NO, as it decreases public safety by increasing parole and good behavior opportunities for felons
PROPOSITION 64 –Legalization of recreational marijuana
NEUTRAL
PROPOSITION 67 – Referendum to overturn ban on single-use plastic bags
YES, as it affirms the Chamber’s existing position which supports the ban of single-use bags
Calif. 24th Congressional District candidate videos
24th Congressional District candidates Salud Carbajal and Justin Fareed talk about what they will do to help SLO County transition to a post-Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant economy.
Justin Fareed and Salud Carbajal talk about the most impactful thing that congress could do to bolster the economy and help businesses.
Salud Carbajal and Justin Fareed talk about what they will do to continue the Central Coast’s history of environmental protection.
Justin Fareed and Salud Carbajal share one of their personal core values and why it is meaningful to them.
Salud Carbajal and Justin Fareed talk about the most significant difference between them and their opponent.
Calif. 35th Assembly District candidate videos
Jordan Cunningham and Dawn Ortiz-Legg talk about what motivates them to serve in public office.
Dawn Ortiz-Legg and Jordan Cunningham talk about the most significant difference between them and their opponent.
Jordan Cunningham and Dawn Ortiz-Legg talk about what they will do at the state level to support the increased interest in the establishment and growth of manufacturing and technology companies in San Luis Obispo County.
Dawn Ortiz-Legg and Jordan Cunningham talk about what they will do to help SLO County transition to a post-Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant economy.
Jordan Cunningham and Dawn Ortiz-Legg talk about what they want voters to remember about them when they cast their vote.
San Luis Obispo County 1st District Supervisor candidates videos
Meet 1st District San Luis Obispo County Supervisor candidates Steve Martin and John Peschong
John Peschong and Steve Martin talk about what their top two priorities would be, if elected.
Steve Martin and John Peschong talk about how the board of supervisors should tackle San Luis Obispo County’s infrastructure and land-use needs.
John Peschong and Steve Martin talk about what they would do to attract and retain jobs in a post-Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant environment.
Steve Martin and John Peschong talk about the most significant difference between them and their opponent.
John Peschong and Steve Martin talk about what they want voters to remember about them when they cast their vote.
San Luis Obispo County 3rd District Supervisor candidates videos
3rd District County Supervisor candidates Dan Carpenter and Adam Hill
Adam Hill and Dan Carpenter talk about what their top two priorities would be, if elected.
Dan Carpenter and Adam Hill talk about how the board of supervisors should tackle San Luis Obispo County’s infrastructure and land-use needs.
Adam Hill and Dan Carpenter talk about what they would do to attract and retain jobs in a post-Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant environment.
Dan Carpenter and Adam Hill talk about the most significant difference between them and their opponent.
Adam Hill and Dan Carpenter talk about what they want voters to remember about them when they cast their vote.
San Luis Obispo Mayoral candidate videos
Meet Heidi Harmon and Jan Marx, the candidates running for the San Luis Obispo mayor’s seat.
San Luis Obispo mayoral candidates, Heidi Harmon and Jan Marx, talk about what their top priority would be while on the City Council, if they were elected.
San Luis Obispo mayoral candidates, Heidi Harmon and Jan Marx, talk about what they see as the City’s role in transitioning to a post-Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant economy.
San Luis Obispo mayoral candidates, Heidi Harmon and Jan Marx, talk about what they see as the biggest opportunity to create housing for the city’s workforce.
San Luis Obispo mayoral candidates, Heidi Harmon and Jan Marx, identify the issue that they believe has the biggest negative impact on local business.
San Luis Obispo City Council candidate videos
Meet the six candidates running for the two open San Luis Obispo City Council seats identify the issue.
The six candidates running for the two open San Luis Obispo City Council seats talk about what they see as the biggest opportunity to create housing for the city’s workforce.
The six candidates running for the two open San Luis Obispo City Council seats talk about what they see as the City’s role in transitioning to a post-Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant economy.
The six candidates running for the two open San Luis Obispo City Council seats talk about what their top priority would be while on the City Council, if they were elected.
The six candidates running for the two open San Luis Obispo City Council seats identify the issue that they believe has the biggest negative impact on local business.
Measure J and Becoming a Self-Help County
Click here to read a Chamber report on Measure J and what you need to know about becoming a Self-Help County
San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Director of Governmental Affairs Charlene Rosales breaks down what it means to be a Self-Help County as well as what the benefits are and why we should vote for it, in just over a minute.