Front Page  »  

Gibson selected SLO Board of Supervisors chair despite objections

January 12, 2022

Supervisor Bruce Gibson

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on Tuesday to select Bruce Gibson as board chairman for 2022 after multiple members of the public asked the board to deny Gibson the position because of issues with his demeanor.

In 2019, the board established a rotation for the chair position. In line with the rotation, it is currently Gibson’s turn to serve as chair.

Previously, certain board members had objected to selecting now-deceased Supervisor Adam Hill as chair because of concerns over his demeaning treatment of county residents who disagreed with him. On Tuesday, members of the public, along with Supervisor Debbie Arnold, who cast the lone dissenting vote, opposed the appointment of Gibson to the chair’s position.

In explaining her position, Arnold said Gibson disrespects members of the public.

“I, myself, have been disappointed by the treatment of some of the public commenters and the disruption of our board process,” Arnold said. “I would prefer allowing discussion on this item to ensure election of a chair who would be respectful of the public, respectful of each other and someone who would foster civil discourse at our board meetings.”

Arnold called for the board to consider selecting Supervisor John Peschong as its chair for this year. Peschong, who is in line to become the chair in 2023, will serve as vice-chair this year.


Loading...
Related:


4 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Unfortunately, we currently have members of the board majority who put self interest above democracy. If we don’t stop this, we will devolve as a nation and lose our democratic system and fall under the yoke of authoritarianism.


1

Seriously. The citizens of San Luis Obispo County need to put an end to the bipartisan bickering and gridlock in our county government. We need to elect people who are fair minded, balanced and productive and prepared to do the kind of work that needs to be done in the halls of government. And we need to support democracy, perhaps above all else. The current board majority is not doing a good job for the majority of the residents of San Luis Obispo County. Decisions are being based on the self-serving interests of a small minority of people who need to least help of all.

There are good alternatives. Do the research. Go to the council meetings. See who is professional prepared and fair and able to do the kind of job we need to get done in local government.


0

The board of supervisors is certain to be more responsible, more well ordered and more productive as soon as Jimmy Paulding joins the board.


-48

Oh that’s funny!


17