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Carpenter listens to the public, changes position

March 24, 2016
San Luis Obispo Councilman Dan Carpenter

San Luis Obispo Councilman Dan Carpenter

OPINION by DAN CARPENTER

On Tuesday March 15, the majority of the San Luis Obispo City Council including myself, gave direction to staff to return with a discussion of policy, legal and operational issues on the idea to create a “democracy voucher” system giving public funds to candidates who agree only to receive contributions through the program.

My goal for supporting this direction that evening was to level the playing field so more candidates would be encouraged to participate in our elected representative process.

I was wrong to think this was the answer to achieving that goal and I will oppose this proposed ordinance when it returns for further council consideration. In the hours and days following the decision, I heard from many citizens throughout the community with a primary concern about the inappropriate use of taxpayer resources for candidates.

Our city staff and a local representative from Citizens Congress have been informed of this change in position.

I genuinely thank the scores of residents in our community for taking the time and energy to contact me with your respectful concerns regarding this decision. My commitment to listen to the people is unwavering and I remain grateful for your confidence in my ability to do so.


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Your comments reflect honesty and bravery, Mr. Carpenter. Good for you and good for us! Can’t wait until you unseat that fat tub of goo currently “serving” (a handful of developers) as District 3 SLOC Supervisor.


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I used to work with Dan’s cousin Jim. Jim was rock solid when it came to rules and his technical decisions. Even so, when there was an update based on new data, Jim would swiftly make the logical corrections. It is apparent that Dan and Jim both shared their family’s logical gene.


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Mmmmm….. did a politician whom is currently running for Office, just express the humility to admit he was wrong. And that he listened to the people’s opinion that guided him to the opposite side of the argument.

This is the kind behavior and attitude that causes me to vote for that Politician.


I am so tired of the Politician that “is never wrong”. And has a narcistic sociopathic personality disorder with paranoid features. Whether its a current county supervisor or a presidential candidate. And I will never vote for this kind of person for the job.


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I was a bit surprised when I heard Dan supported this, but how he handled it – with an HONEST, REAL apology – speaks volumes to the man’s character. He stated what his intent was, and admitted that this perhaps was not the best way to achieve it. Good for him.


It is a noble intention, I agree with Dan and others who might have supported this, but please – anytime you give anyone in government more money or power, it will be abused. Always. It is human nature, unfortunately.


The best we can hope for is someone of outstanding principals and morality that can just be honest and upfront.


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And that is why I am voting for him for 3rd district supervisor, he listens to the people.


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Not a big fan of this idea. But if it does move forward I suggest a sunset provision following the first election. Try it once. If it does encourage better candidates to enter the race and reduce the influence of money, then great, keep it. If not, lesson learned.


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could the vouchers be trading cards, anyway?


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Give us all a break. Dan listened to those who jammed the council chambers that night. Now he listens to his supervisor campaign supporters. Just depends who you listen to, I guess. Politics as usual.


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Yeah, it weren’t a good idea, no how


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