Morro Bay Candidates

Neil Farrell          Age:48
Occupation: Newspaper Editor

I have been a newspaper reporter and editor covering Morro Bay for 18 years and have an intimate knowledge of the workings of this city. Chances are if you know something about this town, it came from a story I wrote. I believe we face a difficult future.Tourism is down, the business climate is bad and city revenues are flat-lined,
and yet the city council seems unable to clearly define a course of action, except for raising taxes, to turn things around.

I have ideas on how to raise revenue without raising taxes and believe our city must act now. Our city has $14 million in T-bills and CDs paying 2% interest when inflation is 4%. I believe we should take some of that money and invest in our town, put it to work at home instead of sitting in an investment we can’t touch that doesn’t even keep up with inflation.

Unless residents are willing to pick their own pockets for more taxes, we need to be creative. I hope you will agree. See my website for my ideas for our future.

Richard "Rick" Grantham     Age:59
Occupation: Council Member

You know me as a member of your City Council. Because of my leadership, the anticipated wastewater plant will be “reclamation ready” to meet the future needs of our community. At my insistence, your drinking water sources will be tested for trace pharmaceutical drugs.

I am a retired state peace officer. My background as a combat medic during the Vietnam War led to a 30 year nursing career. As a previous business owner for ten years and past board member of the Chamber of Commerce, I understand the challenges facing our business community. I am past President of the Rotary Club of Morro Bay and the coordinator for the annual Thanksgiving Dinner.

As your Mayor, I fully understand that my basic duty will be the health, welfare, and safety of the citizens of Morro Bay. We have an excellent Police and Fire Department. As your Mayor, I will make sure that continues. We have an effective and proactive city government. As your Mayor, I will
make sure that continues.

I want to be part of the team that ensures continued fiscal responsibility and promotes economic growth while taking the personal rights of our residents into consideration. Website

Betty Winholtz         Age: 58
Occupation: Math Tutor

As a 2-term city Councilmember who has served on the City Council for 8 years, I am the candidate for Mayor with the most council experience. I am passionate about balanced budgets, good planning, and assured services. The public gives me positive feedback for asking good questions and checking details. I have
served on the SLO Council of Governments, the JPA technical committee with Cayucos regarding the wastewater treatment plant, and the City’s mobile home sub-committee. Currently, I serve on two countywide bodies: the Water Resources Advisory Committee and the Housing Trust Fund.

I believe in proactive communications between the City and other government agencies, and the City and its residents. I campaigned for Measure L to support the county library system and more recently supported our local library in its effort to expand. I advocated for the dog beach and backed the off-leash dog park. I voted against the doubling of sewer fees for our residents.

As Mayor, I intend to see the wastewater treatment plant built with the most modern technology at the lowest price and to promote a smooth transition into the re-use of the power plant property.

William Yates         Age: 62
Occupation: Insurance Adjuster

I believe Morro Bay desperately needs new leadership and a new direction. I can deliver these.

I have previously served as Morro Bay’s mayor for three terms. I understand the city organization thoroughly, our history, and our way of life. I love living here; my wife and I raised our children here. I enjoyed serving as your mayor in the past; I understand every facet of the job, and recognize the challenges our city faces in the immediate future.

I am about experience, leadership, integrity, and supporting our business and fishing communities. I insist on financial responsibility, transparency, and accountability in our city government. Above all, I’m the person my fellow citizens can turn to when they hit a bureaucratic brick wall, or just need a friend. I always strive to enhance our quality of life.

I will take care of business, get things accomplished, and move our city forward. I will run a clean, honest, upbeat, and respectful campaign; never utter an ill word against my opponents; operate on the highest ethical plane; and focus my commentaries on the issues and how I will address them.

I ask for your vote June 8. Please visit my website.

Nancy Johnson
Occupation: Retired Business Owner

First and foremost I believe we need to foster a sustainable local economy that provides jobs and supports City services. The City of Morro Bay must have a long range balanced budget in order to provide the services our City needs. There are serious and daunting challenges for our community, I have the experience and leadership abilities to implement real solutions.

I will continue to support the needs of all of our citizens including youth, seniors, fisherman, business owners, property owners and our tourist industry. We must maintain a level of growth that enhances our quality of life and leaves a legacy for our children and grandchildren.

14 years ago my husband Garry and I were able to achieve our long time dream and move to Morro Bay. We have three grown children and five grandchildren.

My business experience includes owning and operating three large pre-school/childcare programs and currently a small vacation rental. I am active in several volunteer organizations. I served on the Public Works Advisory Board as Chair and currently Chair the Morro Bay Planning Commission.

Please give me your vote on Election Day.

D’Onna Kennedy Age: 63
Occupation: Retired Military

Education and Qualifications: I have been a resident of the Morro Bay area for 8 years. I have vacationed here with my son for 25 years and knew this is where I wanted to be.

I have been a certified Multiple Subject teacher grades K- 12 for the State of California. I have served in the U.S. Army, serving both domestically and overseas, 32 years. I believe my leadership and team work skills will be
beneficial as a Council member.

I currently volunteer with the Harbor Festival and Morro Bay 4TH committees.

I would be proud to serve as your voice within our community. I will always welcome the ideas and opinions of our residents and businesses. I will continue to listen and be involved, make myself available and not shy away from the sometimes tough questions. Morro Bay is our community and I feel we should find sustainable solutions using the common sense approach. We need to bring our community together while understanding that we are accountable to all, now and in the future.

A vote for me is a voice for you.

George Leage
Occupation: Businessman

Education and Qualifications: My roots are deep in our community. I’ve been blessed to raise my children and grandchildren in this very special place. I'm a businessman with real world experience in our community for over 50 years. I am not a career politician - don't expect sugar coating from me. I believe in straight talk and hard work.

Our city is $27 million business. As a practical businessman I am responsible to my customers, employees, suppliers, government, and others. I know how to listen. I know responsibility. I know how to prioritize. I know how to get things done by enlisting the help of professionals and others. I will bring these abilities to the City
Council.

My family loves our natural surroundings. We've fished, surfed, hiked and explored this area for decades and still do. We know how special this place is and I will protect that heritage. My dream is that my children and grandchildren will be able to live out their lives in a family friendly town with a strong economy and in a healthy environment. I want the same for you and your children, too.

I’d be honored by your vote. Website

Jack Smith Age: 53
Occupation: Marketing Director

Education and Qualifications: I moved to Morro Bay in 1972 at the age of 15. The beauty of the natural environment and small town charm are my favorite things about Morro Bay.

I have served as a volunteer basketball and track coach at Morro Bay High School since the 1980s. I am responsible for bringing the World Slalom Skateboarding Championships to Morro Bay between 2001-2005 and the National Championships in 2008.

Morro Bay needs to retain its small town charm, while at the same time wisely grow it’s retail and residential sectors. I also support the efforts to strengthen the local commercial fishing industry, create a maritime museum and to position Morro Bay as a destination location for eco-tourism.

In these challenging economic times we need to be open to all options to strengthen Morro Bay’s future. Working together we can create a positive environment for smart growth while at the same time retaining the character of Morro Bay that we all love.

If elected, I promise to listen to you, the citizens of Morro Bay.

I would appreciate your support.