Santa Maria City Council candidates debate budget solutions

Candidates for the Santa Maria City Council recently participated in a forum at Allan Hancock College to discuss solutions for the city’s significant budget deficit. The discussions focused on various districts and the proposed Measure C sales tax hike, which aims to generate approximately $13 million annually.

In District 3, incumbent Gloria Soto is running for a third term against Corby Poulis Sr. District 4 candidates include Vincent Martinez and Tyler Barksdale. For the District 1 seat, following the resignation of Carlos Escobedo, candidates include incumbent Ricardo Batalla, Celest Mendoza, and Gary Janek Michael.

Key topics addressed during the forum included public safety, immigration, youth programs, and fiscal management. Corby Poulis Sr. advocated for a realistic approach to finances, suggesting a review of all line items and cautioning against using one-time state or federal funds for long-term projects.