By Theresa-Marie Wilson ~
Folks are up and running with candidate intention statements in hand as the official election season kicks off in local politics. As of the writing of this article, three candidates for Arroyo Grande City Council, incumbent Kristin Barneich, Caren Ray and Ken Sage, have thrown their hats in the ring vying for two open seats.
Q&A: In Their Words
Age?
Kristen Barneich
“I’m 46, but I hear it’s the new 36.”Caren Ray
“I’m 47.”Ken Sage
“A young 74.”
Councilmember Jim Guthrie said he would not seek re-election making his seat the second of two available for the 4-year term.
Mayor Jim Hill has also filed intention papers for re-election. In 2014 Hill beat Tony Ferrara in a write-in vote. If he faces no opposition, as has been common in Arroyo Grande when it comes to the office of mayor, Hill would be appointed to serve another two years. As of today, Richard Waller has announced he will run for mayor – more on that in another issue.
Barneich is seeking election for the seat she was appointed to in 2013.
“I’m excited to announce my candidacy to retain my seat on the Arroyo Grande City Council,” Barneich said in a new release. “I’m humbled by the strong community support I’ve received these past two-and-a-half years and want to continue to work hard for our wonderful city.”
A 35-year resident of the city and former chair of the Planning Commission, Barneich considers infrastructure a key issue and wants to focus those elements including securing new sources of water and major road improvements.
In addition to financial sustainability, another key issue that Barneich wants to focus on is the city’s infrastructure, including securing new sources of water and major road improvements.
Former city Councilmember and Board of Supervisor Caren Ray has also said she will run and is vying for a council seat she last held from 2010 to 2013.
“I look forward to returning to serve the citizens of Arroyo Grande,” said Ray in a news release. “My goals are to preserve our city’s historic and agricultural heritage, strengthen our relationship with the business community, and to bring a forward-looking vision to the city.”
Ray was appointed to the council in 2010 filling the seat of Ed Arnold when he resigned. She was elected in 2012 and served until 2013 when she was appointed to 4th District Supervisor by California Governor Jerry Brown replacing the late Paul Texiera. Ray ran for election in 2014 and was defeated by Lynn Compton.
Ray also served as Arroyo Grande Planning Commissioner from 2005-2010, with three terms as chair. She currently teaches government, economics, and modern world history at Santa Maria High School.
Newcomer Ken Sage, a 16-year Arroyo Grande resident has also filed papers. He is a retired businessman with extensive experience in organization management in three different management environments; 20 year’s multi-departmental management with AT&T; 10 years as a small business owner of a retail art gallery, including an art restoration, and custom framing business; and, 17 years providing business management consulting for small and large medical organizations.
Sage credits his 6-years’ service in the U.S. Navy for his understanding of the value of teamwork and critical thinking. He is also active in community volunteer organizations. He is a former member of the Pismo Beach Rotary Club, and a member of the 2014-15 SLO County Civil Grand Jury. He is a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and is currently serving as a member of the Arroyo Grande Traffic Commission.
Although a little early in the game, Coast News asked the initial run of candidates to share a little about themselves and what issues they would address if elected.
Q&A: In Their Words
Age?
Kristen Barneich
I’m 46, but I hear it’s the new 36.
Caren Ray
I’m 47.
Ken Sage
A young 74
What would be the first issue you would address as councilmember?
Kristen Barneich
We need to take a comprehensive look at economic development; how do we support our existing businesses and keep them successful and growing, and how do we encourage new businesses to establish themselves in Arroyo Grande. The council and staff need to determine a strategy that will attract new businesses that will complement our community, and develop streamlined processes that will facilitate their investment in our community. Additionally, we need to analyze our lean budget and find other ways to maximize revenues while controlling costs. It is critical that we appropriately fund vital services such as our fire department.
Caren Ray
I would recommend that the city council agendize the formulation and adoption of an economic development plan.
Ken Sage
Selection of a qualified city manager and the development of a partnership between this manager and the council.
Since the race hasn’t really heated up yet, what positive thing can you say about your opponent?
Kristen Barneich
I served on Planning Commission with Ms. Ray. She’s a bright lady with a collaborative approach that studies the issues. I don’t know Mr. Sage, but he was appointed to the Traffic Commission in April of this year and I appreciate him serving the community in this way.
Caren Ray
Kristen has been involved in the city as both a volunteer and public official and has shown tremendous dedication to our quality of life.
I only know that Ken is a recent appointee of Mayor Jim Hill to the Traffic Commission.
Ken Sage
I really do not know either personally, but I have to give them kudos for their participation in city/county government.
The last two years have been bumpy for the city council with a lot of residents expressing dissatisfaction and anger towards the city and each other, what would be your first solution to change that attitude?
Kristen Barneich
I would encourage the council to attend a team building workshop (which I have recently suggested) and/or a city council retreat. Anyone can have a different opinion, but we need to always remain respectful of that opposing opinion so that we can maintain civility in government. The last thing we want to do is discourage public input or attendance at meetings by the council’s behavior.
Caren Ray
I would recommend that the city institute a policy that all new mayors and council members be required to attend the first available training for new members by the JPIA (Joint Powers Insurance Authority) or League of Cities. While responsible public servants often do this of their own accord, it should be a requirement to help ensure appropriate conduct and public meeting governance.
Ken Sage
Listen, listen, listen. Improve dialog via community outreach beyond the council meeting agenda and city website. Hire an effective city manager.
If you could go back in the last 40 years of Arroyo Grande history, what would you change that would have a big impact today.
Kristen Barneich
Our city leaders and staff have made many good decisions over the years. However, today we are dealing with the impacts from the Walmart Shopping Center because the
traffic mitigation plan and funding were inadequate for the center. If it had been done correctly we would have a solution in place for the Brisco Road interchange.
Caren Ray
I would stop the removal of the Oak Park on-ramps and off-ramps on Highway 101. This caused significant traffic to be diverted into Arroyo Grande and has contributed heavily to the issues we are now dealing with at Brisco Road.
Ken Sage
Development of a long-range comprehensive plan for ensuring adequate water supplies.
What drives you to want to serve in what can be a stressful and sometimes thankless job?
Kristen Barneich
I love A.G! It’s one of the best cities in the county. I truly believe that in order for a community to thrive, people have to be engaged and involved in some way and give back. My way to do that is to serve on the city council. It is sometimes thankless, but for the most part, citizens are thoughtful and appreciative of our work on the council, and that means the world to me. I’m in touch with the community, I’m approachable and I’m proud of what I do.
Caren Ray
Public service is not a thankless job! It is extremely rewarding to contribute to the community in such a meaningful and constructive way, and I get to meet the most amazing people from all walks of life. The best part is helping people solve difficult problems in constructive, collaborative ways. Without a doubt, there is a serious personal price to pay, especially given the tactics and negativity used by certain groups right now, but in the end, the good far outweighs the bad.
Ken Sage
Stress is a manageable criteria, and, I believe, I can help improve our citizen’s perception of the management of our city.
What is the best book you have ever read, why?
Kristen Barneich
One of my favorite books is The Glass Castle. Jeannette Wall’s childhood was completely dysfunctional and chaotic and yet she adored her father. In this way, The Glass Castle gives its reader insight into the power of love, and forgiveness. This family had nothing, yet Jeannette’s father made her feel like she had the world at her feet, and that she was special. I got to see Jeannette speak at the PAC a few months ago. She is an inspiring woman.
Caren Ray
Non-Fiction: tie: Outliers, and Freakonomics
Fiction: The Phantom Tollbooth
Ken Sage
The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw because it documents the strength of the human experience.
What are the top five songs on your iPad or other device?
Kristen Barneich
“Seven Years,” by Lukas Graham
”Brave,” by Sara Bareilles,
”Fight Song,” by Rachel Platten,
”If Today Was Your Last Day,” by Nickelback and “American Pie,” by Don McLean.
Caren Ray
I don’t have music on my phone or iPad. I mostly listen to talk radio, or whatever my teenagers subject me to.
Ken Sage
Check my response to question one. Do you think I use an iPad? However, top music selections are anything by John Coltrane, Dave Coz, or Alicia Keys.
The nomination period (to be placed on the ballot) for these offices begins on July 18 and closes on Aug. 12, at 5 p.m. If nomination papers for an incumbent officer of the city are not filed by August 12, the filing deadline will be extended to August 17.
To be eligible to vote at the November 8, 2016 election, you must be registered to vote no later than Monday, October 24, 2016. For more information regarding voter registration or to obtain a vote-by-mail ballot: Visit https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/clerk.htm.
