Public safety is the most fundamental duty of county government, yet it often feels like our law enforcement and firefighters are being asked to do more with less.
When our first responders lack the resources they need, it’s a failure of accountability by the SLO County Board of Supervisors.
Adam Verdin has made public safety a cornerstone of his campaign. He understands that a safe community is the foundation for everything else, from a healthy economy to a high quality of life. Adam will prioritize ensuring that those who protect us have the staffing, training, and equipment necessary to keep SLO County’s 4th District safe. He isn’t interested in political grandstanding; he’s focused on the practical reality of keeping our neighborhoods secure. We need a supervisor who will hold the line on the budget while making sure public safety is never a second-tier priority.
Adam Verdin is the clear choice for anyone who values a safe and secure San Luis Obispo County.
Linda M. Austin
Oceano
This article appears in May 14-21, 2026.
the Central Coast isn’t easy LA or Oakland, the last thing we need is higher funding for public safety, unless of course you like paying higher taxes. I have no beef with law enforcement, but they are already overpaid and we are overtaxed. Focusing on paying for more police or pay hikes for them is actually why most of us WONT be voting for Adam Verdin.
Since Supervisor Paulding has already accomplished all of that we dont need Verdin to mess it up or take credit for it. Nor do we need Linda Austin to present a false narrative trying to scare people into voting Adam (No Bueno) Verdin.
Paulding has accomplished something no other 4th District Supervisor has. He succeeded in getting funding for a new Sheriff’s substation in Nipomo and it is now under construction. This will increase law enforcement responsiveness in both Ocean and Nipomo. Job’s already done! Thanks Supervisor Paulding.
Paulding stepped in to solve the historic Oceano emergency services funding problems created by OCDSD Directors Linda Austin, Karen White, and Shirley Gibson (all three of whom are supporting Verdin). They failed to manage escalating costs for Five Cities Fire Authority nor could they convince Oceano residents pass a regressive fire service tax, despite forcing it on the ballot two years in a row. OCSD quit the FCFA when they got tired of having the fire station closed and were still paying a million dollars a year. Paulding stepped in and created a plan whereby the County took over responsibility for fire and emergency services in Oceano at an increased cost of $300,000 which came from County funds, not Oceano taxpayers. In addition, response times for emergency services have improved and fire stations are now fully staffed with 3 person crews on every shift. Another public safety issue solved by Supervisor Paulding.
Just like “No Bueno” Verdin, his surrogate Linda Austin leads with a totally false narrative designed to scare people. In the meantime, Supervisor Paulding has been working hard and already solved the problem. He’s been there and done that. He’s already done three laps around the new Oceano Community track. Verdin, Austin, White, and Gibson are still looking for their jogging shoes.