Among the races in the June 7 Primary Election is the contest for San Luis Obispo County District 2 Supervisor.
It’s the first election since a major redistricting. The new boundaries for District 2 now incorporate the north coast along with Atascadero, Santa Margarita, and the neighborhoods surrounding Lake Nacimiento.
There are four candidates running in this election -- John Whitworth, Bruce Jones, Geoff Auslen, and Bruce Gibson.
Gibson is the current and longest-sitting supervisor. He believes with his knowledge and experience, he’s the right fit for the job.
"I want to continue leading this county through some of the most challenging times in recent memory. We know the problems we have in front of us," Gibson said.
He added, "I have a proven track record of getting things done and getting a handle on homelessness is going to require a deep interaction with county, state agencies. I've been doing this, I know how to do this, and I expect success."
Jones is the newest to SLO County. He moved here four years ago after retiring from the medical field.
"For the last three-plus years, I've been on the Templeton Advisory Committee. I've been chair of that group for the last two years," Jones said.
When asked why people should vote for him, Jones responded, "Because I care. I have no reason to do this job -- I'm financially secure. I have no business that competes for my time. Three generations of my family live here. I care that this beautiful, wonderful place continues to do well and people prosper."
Auslen was born and raised on the Central Coast.
"The reason I'm running for District 2 is I grew up here on the Central Coast and I want to preserve where we live and take care of things, especially in north county," Auslen said.
He’s pushing for the support of small businesses.
"As a local business owner, I see regulation, I see how hard it is to live here, make a living, and that’s the things we're focused on. Small business has to survive. Without small business, we have nothing left in this county," he said.
John Whitworth did not respond to KSBY News in time for our broadcast report, but in a phone interview on Monday, he told us he is running for office to do the right thing and serve the people.
"I feel that the county is not serving the people as it should," he said. "I feel the building department is not doing the job it's supposed to. I feel the health department has issues. There's issues throughout the county."
Whitworth points to his background as a longtime small business owner and building contractor, his Masters in Education Administration at UCSB, and 30 years in the Marine Corps.
"I understand leadership but more than that, I understand how to execute and get things done," he said.
Whitworth says he believes in common-sense solutions and fewer regulations. His #1 concern is the rise of fentanyl use. He says he also supports parental rights in schools, responsible building and land usage, and water rights.
"The most important thing about me is I cannot be compromised," Whitworth concluded.
For full coverage of the June 7, 2022 Primary Election, click here.
