Elections are an opportunity to consider the future of our community and the qualifications and qualities we value in those entrusted with representing it. The decisions we make, the trust we build, and the standards we uphold continue to shape our city long after the election is over.
Throughout my years of service to Pismo Beach, I have learned that meaningful progress rarely comes from the loudest voices or the sharpest disagreements. It comes from listening carefully, considering different perspectives, and making decisions with the community’s long-term interests in mind.
Public service requires judgment, restraint, integrity, and a willingness to listen, even when doing so is difficult. It should be about understanding the issues and working toward solutions that benefit the people we represent.
The outcome of an election determines who serves, but it does not change what public service requires. Whoever holds office must put the community’s interests first and approach decisions with humility, sound judgment, and respect for those they serve.
Citizens deserve leadership that recognizes that public service is a responsibility to the community.
Clare Malone Prichard
Pismo Beach
This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 5, 2026.
So there I was, sitting down with my first cup of joe, reading through the letters to the editor. I finished Claire’s letter, scratched my head, and thought, “Who is this? Why is she writing this? And didn’t we already know all this?”
Well, curiosity got the better of me, so I did a little digging. Lo and behold, turns out Claire is running for Pismo Beach City Council. Well, butter my biscuit! That’s a mighty interesting little detail to leave out of a letter to the editor, don’t you reckon?
Now, I’m all for candidates sharing their opinions. Heck, that’s part of the political rodeo. But if you’re running for office, why not just say so? Seems to me that putting your cards on the table is a pretty basic part of earning the public’s trust.
I reckon most of us are plum worn out from the political circus, the mudslinging, and the endless gamesmanship. We could use a little more straight shooting and a whole lot less political theater. After all, if you’re asking folks to trust you with the reins of city government, you might want to start by telling them you’re in the saddle.
Just a thought.