In my view, Grover Beach’s Measure A-26 was born less from good government than from a political temper tantrum. How else do you explain turning a professional staff position into an elected office? The qualifications for this elected clerk gig are “impressive”: be at least 18, live in Grover Beach, be a registered voter, and win an election. No professional certification. No municipal experience. No demonstrated knowledge of election law, public records, or the technical responsibilities of a city clerk. Sounds like quite the interview process.
More than 70 percent of California cities use appointed professional city clerks. None of the other six cities in San Luis Obispo County elects its clerk, and Grover Beach has successfully used an appointed clerk since incorporation in 1959.
Then there’s the price tag. Passing A-26 would mean having a special election for city clerk estimated to cost taxpayers at least $300,000 in unbudgeted general fund money. That’s money that could support police and fire services, streets, parks, or other community priorities. And what do taxpayers get for it? The work still must get done, which means the city will still need qualified professional staff to support an elected officeholder who may arrive with absolutely no relevant experience.
Grover Beach already has elected citizen oversight through its City Council and advisory bodies. I struggle to see what problem A-26 actually solves. I certainly see the bill for higher costs.
Please vote no on A-26.
Steve Lieberman
Grover Beach
This article appears in Oct 8-15, 2026.
