Synopsis: Candidates in Morro Bay's June 5 primary seemed to divide themselves at the first candidates forum over the issues facing the city, how to deal with those issues and what do do about the biggest question of all — where the highly-controversial new wastewater treatment plant should be built. But they pretty much agreed that the city is divided between pro-business and pro-community factions. And the candidates seemed to be as well.
The eight people running at the June 5 primary election to the Morro Bay City Council divided themselves pretty clearly — on issues facing the city, on how they would deal with them and the biggest and most immediate question that must be addressed — at the first candidates forum last week. They may or may not have wanted to put themselves into one political camp or the other, but their comments did it for them.
With one big exception: most seemed to agree, as mayoral candidate Joseph Yukich put it, that "the city has been divided into pro-business and progressive factions." Council candidate Joan Solu followed by saying the city is divided between "merchants versus residents."
Only one, mayoral candidate Bill Yates, took exception and said "factions is baloney." "Pro-business versus pro-citizen" is "crazy."
(The Journal raised the same politically-divided-city issue last month: Election2012)
A wide disparity came through in the debate over concrete — not just rhetorical — ways to address such issues as building a new wastewater treatment plant, making Morro Bay more "business friendly," spurring business growth, promoting tourism here, dealing with the homeless in Morro Bay and how to bring about a more united town.
It seemed clear that Council candidates Christine Johnson and Noah Smukler and Yukich came through with the most specific and concrete answers to audience questions read by moderator and former mayor Janice Peters at the April 26 forum. While most others expressed mostly vague opinions, Johnson pledged to "work to keep the community first" and to "focus on facts, not emotions." She was the only one among the eight candidates who, without any question being asked on this topic, called for "planning ahead for the future of the Morro Bay Power Plant."
Smukler was blunt: "the city needs repair," and the Dial-A-Ride bus program, which serves many seniors from their doorstep, needs to be restored. It was replaced by a reduced program during city budget deliberations two years ago. Having served as a Council member for the past nearly four years, Smukler stood out in his knowledge of city matters, such as the way city rules are applied in what he called an inconsistent manner, citing the city sign ordinance as an prime example.
Actually, Smukler agreed with Yukich (mayoral candidates spoke first), who said the city's "infrastructure is falling apart." He also called for: (1) the city to "streamline" its business permitting process, (2) businesses to take responsibility for making their facilities attractive and clean (especially motels and hotels), and (3) promotion of economic development in Morro Bay to "rest with businesses. It is not the job of government to subsidize (economic development). They have to spend money to create services and products."
Yukich, who is a restaurant owner, said the city will continue to be seen as "pro-business" but only within "the boundaries of the Embarcadero," indicating that north Morro Bay businesses don't have the influence in city business policies that Embarcadero businesses do. As mayor, "I'll put differences aside and bring them together," he said.
Yukich was the first in line to speak at the forum and led off with, "We see mediocrity under (mayor) Yates. Are we better off today than two years ago?" Yates did not respond.
On perhaps the biggest issue facing the city — one that will directly affect the cost of water for residents and its future availability to them — most of the candidates were sharply divided, particularly over where to locate the new plant that Morro Bay and its partner, the Cayucos Sanitary District, must build at the behest of state officials since the present 50-plus-year-old plant pollutes the environment.
Yates, the current mayor who was presided over the city's policies for development of a new plant since December, 2010, was also blunt: "I support the plant (staying) where it is because it has always been there." He said it would be more costly to move it, an argument that lacks documentation. He raised the issue of suing the California Coastal Commission if it does not allow Morro Bay and Cayucos to build a new jointly-owned plant where the old one is located, and said, "Let's see what the Commission does."
Borchard said "I support (building a new plant at) present site (because) I want what is fiscally responsible." Again, the costs of building a new plant at the present site compared to some new location have not been documented.
Irons said he would not consider suing the Coastal Commission but that alternative sites for the plant need to be considered.
Yukich did not address the question but, instead, said Yates missed the last joint meeting of the Council and the Cayucos board on April 12 when the contract of lobbyist Susan McCabe, who was hired by the two communities to promote rebuilding of the plant at the present site in meetings with Coastal Commissioners, was allocated more funds for her work with a cap of $155,000 in total. Yates later said he has missed very few meetings as mayor, but did not say why he missed the April 12 meeting when the very controversial McCabe contract was on the agenda.
Solu said she would "not vote to move the plant" because relocating it would cost residents millions. "I have heard people don't want it moved," she added.
Hayes said he would not move the plant. "Making sewage somewhere else will cause problems," he said.
Johnson said that "when I read the Commission documents, it makes me more concerned. I am not sure the city has a choice. We need to work with the Commission for a resolution (of the issue) and (development) permit." "I will work for best plant at the best price based on facts."
Smukler said how and where to build a new plant "has been taken out of the hands of Morro Bay. It is very clear from their (Commission) comments. I am very concerned about the site and recycling (of water by the new plant)."
In response to a question about "addressing the homeless problem in Morro Bay, these were the responses of Council candidates:
Solu: Create a program where the homeless are exposed to employers.
Hayes: I don't know.
Johnson: We need compassion. We should find out what services for them are available in the city. Learn how to work with them. Create open dialogue.
Smukler: Lead with compassion. Some homeless are long-time residents. Some great activists are working with them. We should hold the line on public welfare and safety. Help them find jobs and affordable housing.
In their opening statements, the Council candidates identified themselves with these words:
Smukler: I have worked hard to listen to all sides of debate.
Solu: We need community-oriented solutions to government. I am a business owner. I have been for fourteen years. I am committed to the economy.
Hayes: For thirty-one years, I worked for the city. I am here (as a candidate) to keep your sewer and water bills as low as possible. There are elements from left and right (in Morro Bay). We need to work together for common goals.
Johnson: I put community first in all business. I have no connection to business. I will work for a vibrant downtown.
