SLO LIFE Oct/Nov 2020

| CANDIDATE FORUM
CITY COUNCIL
ABRIANNA TORRES
Born and raised in San Luis Obispo, I am a small business
consultant, former Sheriff ’s Correctional Deputy, former Division
One scholar and all-American athlete, and active mentor to the next
generation of SLO residents. My strong roots in our City allow me
to uniquely understand current issues at hand.
In recent months, we’ve seen the “happiest city in America” devolve
into a community divided. Our neighbors and friends have been
branded as racist, and our police department marginalized. To my
core, I stand against racism and bigotry; concurrently, I will not
support any group that calls for destruction within our streets. We are
in desperate need of diversity of thought; this should not be a “whose
side are we on” debate but rather a “how can we work together”
conversation. It is time to shine a light on what good law enforcement
and first responders do for our community. I will ensure that they have
the tools necessary to keep our citizens safe and to continue building
a unified culture of transparency and accountability.
We’ve also recently experienced how governmental mismanagement,
burdensome regulations, and excessive taxes cripple our hard working
community members and local businesses in the face of COVID-19.
I will prioritize boosting our economic vitality by minimizing these
tax increases and regulations. I will also work to ensure that our
streets are clean and safe and that homelessness is properly addressed
through impactful resource investment.
Growing up, our house was a safe haven for foster children. As a
longtime renter and newly minted, first-time homeowner in San
Luis Obispo, I’m acutely aware of the housing challenges that we
face. I plan on re-examining existing assumptions, regulations, and
fees to make sure that the City is working in the best interest of the
taxpayers. I also plan to rezone and adapt underutilized buildings to
accommodate mixed uses, including work-force housing.
My guiding goal is to facilitate a prosperous and sustainable future
that we can all participate in by empowering residents and enabling
opportunities for growth. As a nonpartisan candidate for SLO
City Council, I strive to develop forward-thinking, results-driven
strategies to unify our community. Our City needs voices of reason.
CITY COUNCIL
ROBIN WOLF
A SLO local born and raised, I grew up on the Central Coast.
This year, San Luis Obispo residents have many choices in their
candidates for SLO City Council. I am unique in my two-plus decades
working in restaurants, hospitality, and tourism. My time spent in our
public facing businesses offer a unique skill set and perspective into the
largest economic force in our area. One that provides a living for many
of our residents and is vital to our City. I have learned to listen and to
bridge divides between people to ensure everyone has a seat at the table.
Our community faces many challenges in 2020, and there is none
more timely and far reaching than the recovery and success of our local
economy and businesses. There is not a single member of our community
unaffected by this threat. We are a bustling tourist community and the
effects of Covid-19 have been nothing short of devastating, with many
of our long-standing businesses fighting to survive. I have been on the
ground since day one of the pandemic, adapting and pivoting entire
business models to fight for ownership and employees alike. We need
representation on City Council that is prepared to fight this battle with
creative problem solving and the insider knowledge of someone familiar
with the nuts and bolts of our service industries and the tough work
ahead. I am that candidate.
My priorities in office include: Economic Recovery and Vitality, Workers
and Jobs, Civil Rights, Health and Safety for All, Environmental
Stewardship, Affordable Housing and Renter’s Rights, and Transparency
and Accountability in Elected Officials and Law Enforcement.
I am dedicated to greater community engagement in local government,
especially our youth and traditionally underrepresented voices.
In this time, we need new and creative approaches to support local
businesses and workers facing an uncertain future. I am a worker. I am a
renter. I understand the struggle we undertake to make San Luis Obispo
our home. City Government should be transparent and inclusive and
serve the people always. I am fiercely committed to making sure each
community member is heard, valued, respected, and engaged.
Join me as we work together for a successful SLO for All!
OCT/NOV 2020 | SLO LIFE MAGAZINE | 75