SLO County supervisor to run for re-election in 2024. ‘We need steady, tested leadership’

Supervisor John Peschong is running to keep his seat on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors after all, he announced Wednesday afternoon.

“San Luis Obispo County faces significant challenges, including an increase in crime and a worsening homelessness crisis,” Peschong said in a news release. “I believe we need steady, tested leadership on the Board of Supervisors that will support law enforcement and address homelessness with compassion and accountability.”

When Peschong was elected to the board in 2016, he said he planned to serve only two terms as a county supervisor.

District 1 stretches from Monterey County in the north to Kern County in the east, encompassing the communities of Templeton, San Miguel, Shandon and Paso Robles.

As of May 1, there were 4,705 more registered Republicans than registered Democrats in District 1, according to the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office — giving the conservative incumbent an edge while competing to represent the area.

“Peschong has delivered strong results for North County residents, including increased funding and staffing for the sheriff’s department, years of responsible fiscal management, new job creation and innovative approaches to dealing with the homelessness crisis,” the release said.

The Templeton resident is partner for Meridian Pacific Strategies, a political consulting firm, while serving on organizations such as the Central Coast Taxpayers Association and the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau and Cattlemen’s Association.

Peschong’s endorsements include Sheriff Ian Parkinson, District Attorney Dan Dow, County Assessor Tom Bordonaro and Paso Robles City Councilman Steve Gregory, the release said.

“I am excited to continue that work and preserve North County as the special and unique place we all have the privilege of calling home,” Peschong said in the release.

Peschong isn’t the first to announce plans to run for the district seat.

In January, Republican Party of San Luis Obispo County spokesperson Erik Gorham said he might throw his hat in the ring for the District 1 spot. He withdrew his candidacy, however, because the new district map pushed him out of District 1, he said.

No other candidates have announced bids to run for District 1 supervisor.

Atascadero City Council members compete for SLO County supervisor seat

Meanwhile, the race to represent District 5 on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors is setting up to be a competition between two Atascadero City Council members.

Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno and Mayor Pro Tem Susan Funk have both announced their intent to run for the seat.

Current District 5 Supervisor Debbie Arnold confirmed that she won’t run for re-election in 2024.

“I’ve served three terms,” Arnold told The Tribune. “Shortly after my term ends, I’ll be celebrating my 70th birthday, and I just feel like slowing things down a little bit.”

“I keep telling my husband I’ll be home more to help,” Arnold added with a laugh. When she finishes her term, she’ll finally have the time to help her husband manage their property, she said.

Arnold noted that she’ll continue serving the constituents in District 5 until her term ends in January 2025.

“Until the next person takes their oath of office, I’m still going to be working for (my constituents),” Arnold said.

Arnold endorsed Moreno for District 5 supervisor, praising her work as mayor of Atascadero.

“People have appreciated her dedication and commitment to the city, and I think she’ll bring that same kind of commitment to the supervisor seat,” Arnold said.