Hello, Morro Bay citizens,

I’ve been involved in Morro Bay government for quite awhile now, the past three and a half years as your Mayor. In my term in office I have brought greater civility to our meetings despite the difficult economic issues we have had to handle.

I’ve been told I’m “too nice” and need to be more aggressive and forceful. I’m not sure when being nice became seen as a liability rather than an asset, but it’s not something I’m willing to change.

So I’m going to redefine nice as respectful. Even when we don’t agree on issues, I am respectful of my fellow councilmembers, and therefore of the voters who elected them.

I respect our citizens and their opinions, and do my best to be considerate of and responsive to them.

I respect our staff and the hard work they do, and I also respect the constant need for better communication between staff and our residents.

I respect our business and fishing communities. I recognize their challenges, and look for creative new ideas and ways to help them.

I respect the fact that both candidates Leage and Hughes have, at different times, told me I’m doing a good job as mayor. And I respect the fact that candidate DeMeritt now agrees with me that a positive attitude is better than a negative one. I find all of that very nice.

Campaign season seems to change some candidate’s behavior and viewpoints for 60 days. My behavior and viewpoint have been consistent throughout my public service. I’m open-minded, hard-working, inclusive, responsive, positive, respectful…and yes, nice.

I’m proud of the work I’ve done as your mayor. I’d like to do more, and I respectfully ask for your vote on June 3.

That would be very nice.