Morro Bay Candidates' Campaign Statements

by Jack McCurdy

For Mayor: Jamie Irons

In my first term, I led with integrity, commitment and patience.  I increased opportunities for citizen input by: allowing the public to comment on all agenda items at council meetings, adding citizen members to the Water Reclamation Facility consultant selection committee and expanding the process for citizen input on City goals.

I led the Council initiative to reprioritize street paving for all neighborhoods including North Morro Bay.  I worked to obtain grants to fully fund the bridge over Morro Creek.  I continue to support economic development, tourism, fishing, small business and our environment.

Critical issues I will address in my next term are: securing and diversifying our water supply, building a new Water Reclamation Facility, staying focused on our fiscal health and exploring new sources of revenue including a new use for the retired power plant.

I remain committed to updating the General Plan to create a shared vision for our city’s future.  Our community deserves to live up to its potential.  I have demonstrated I have the qualities and conviction to continue to lead our community in a productive direction.

For Mayor: Carla Wixom

As a 35-year resident of this community, I am committed to sustaining the Morro Bay we all know and love. To solve the challenges facing Morro Bay, we need leadership that can bridge the differences, end political divisiveness, and implement real solutions. My experience as a mother, business owner, and community volunteer is a reflection of my ability to lead you as Mayor of your City and to help in bringing Morro Bay together again.

As a mother and business owner, I have a strong interest in preserving the quality of life we enjoy. I appreciate the importance of our environment and leaving a place for our children to grow and thrive. I recognize the importance of a vibrant local economy that provides jobs and supports our City's services. I understand the value of the tourist dollar and fishing industry and the role they play in supporting our economy. Most importantly, Iunderstand it is all a balancing act - to provide essential and desirable services to the community and protecting our well-being.

I bring experience and strong leadership which means a secure future for our community.

For City Council: John Headding
Occupation: Pharmacist / Business Owner

Education and Qualifications:  Four years ago I opened our family pharmacy in Morro Bay and moved here 2 1/2 years ago.  My love for Morro Bay grows daily, but as my involvement in the community increases my concern for the City's viability deepens.

We residents experience the great joy of the natural beauty that abounds here and  share a deep sense of community.  Some would say that we live in paradise.

After researching the City's financial status, attending council meetings, networking with business owners and elected officials  as Chamber of Commerce president-elect, I find the City often divided, disgruntled, and devoid of a vision for the future.

"We are at a crossroad.  We must challenge the status quo, focusing on strategies for our future including fiscal responsibility, economic vitality and a clear results-oriented vision.

My education includes a Doctor of Pharmacy  and Masters  in Healthcare Administration degree.  My career history includes being a COO/CEO of hospitals, chairman of several county-wide economic and workforce boards and I am currently a small business owner.

I will bring strong moral values, integrity, accountability, collaboration and big business experience to our Council.

For City Council: Nancy Johnson
Occupation: Incumbent / Retired Business Owner

It’s time for progress. As a member of City Council, I will continue to work toward fiscally responsible budget policies, returning money to our reserves, supporting our Police and Fire Departments, and finding long-term solutions to our water crisis.

I have the leadership, experience and values to advocate for all our citizens while continuing to maintain our quality of life that leaves a legacy for our children and grandchildren.

Several years ago, my husband and I chose to move to Morro Bay for that quality of life and where our children and grandchildren continue to share in the livability of our community.

We need to eliminate wasteful spending and pursue all potential opportunities that return good jobs to our City. We need to support our tourism industry and our fishermen and their families. We must also deal responsibly with the homeless problem and address the impact of the new wastewater plant on our community.

As a homeowner, small business owner as well as community organizer and volunteer, I’m holding true to the values of Morro Bay.

I value our community: a vote for me is a vote for leadership you can trust. I can be reached at 772-3738.

For City Council: Matt Makowetski

During six years of work on Morro Bay’s Public Works Advisory Board (MBPWAB), I have gained an understanding of the process by which public infrastructure projects are evaluated and approved. Ordinary citizens, with diligence and commitment, can learn to perform valuable public service in their communities. Affordable water and sewer rates, well-maintained streets, and appropriate infrastructure projects are within our reach if we authentically engage the process.

Our city’s wastewater reclamation facility project will be prominent to my work on City Council. I am looking forward to the challenge. I am looking forward to listening to all residents’ concerns and to putting in the hours required to arrive at a solution with which we can all live.

As chairperson of MBPWAB, I have demonstrated that I value the variety of viewpoints expressed by all the members of our community. Listening to all voices breeds transparency in government and empowers more people to serve the public. I would be honored to receive your vote for city council.