John Peschong, a political strategist and San Luis Obispo County’s 1st District Supervisor, is known for his brevity in public.
True to form, Peschong stayed mostly mum about his role in defeating Measure G, the 2018 ballot initiative to ban new oil wells and fracking in SLO County. Peschong’s consulting firm, Meridian Pacific Inc., was hired to help run the oil and gas industry’s campaign against the measure.
Measure G failed, losing in a 54 percent to 46 percent vote, but not before a coalition of oil companies spent $8 million to sway voters’ minds. Meridian received more than $643,000 to coordinate that campaign, according to the “No on G” group’s latest campaign finance filings, which span January 2018 to December 2018.
As a county supervisor, Peschong has recused himself from decisions on projects or policies related to the oil and gas industry. Peschong told New Times on Jan. 9 that he accepted the job in part because he strongly opposed the measure.
Peschong said he saw Measure G as a “jobs issue,” believing that the measure, if passed, would’ve shut down Sentinel Peak Resources’ Arroyo Grande oil field and eliminated 30 head of household jobs for “good people.” Similar to the statements made in the numerous mailers that hit residents’ mailboxes in 2018, Peschong said that the measure “went too far.”
On its face, Measure G banned the drilling of new oil wellsāit did not shut down existing wellsābut both sides debated what the practical effect on the local oil field would be over time.
Meridian Pacific also played key consulting roles in the opposition to Measure Z in Monterey County and Measure P in Santa Barbara Countyātwo similar anti-oil drilling and fracking measures. Peschong said oil and gas industry campaigns are in his “wheelhouse,” and added that he thought it was the only SLO County-based election issue that the company, which he co-founded in 2003, would be involved in while he’s a sitting supervisor.
Before he was elected in 2016, Peschong ran the political campaigns of SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow, and county supervisors Debbie Arnold and Lynn Compton. He said state conflict of interest rules prevent him from working on campaigns for political offices whose budgets he approves as a supervisor (such as the DA’s Office). Meridian Pacific still does consulting work for state Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham. Ī
This article appears in Volunteers 2019.
From the Meridian Pacific Inc. website: “A nationwide firm specializing in strategic political consulting and public affairs”.
Wait, so you’re telling me Meridian Pacific Inc. made money doing what its website said it does?!? Amazing!
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Peschong’s firm also coordinated the No on Measure J, the half-cent sales tax which would fund local road projects. He was running for his seat on the board during the same election cycle, so while clearly not a violation of election law, his subsequent votes on the board, and potentially as a sitting member of SLOCOG, most definitely would be influenced by the defeat of J. He is nothing if not politically savvy.
Peschong also makes major decisions regarding water rights and usage which does affect (and benefit) the oil and gas industry. He does not recuse himself from these decisions. He clearly has a conflict on interest in my opinion.
While I have not had time to review all the public schools in District 1 for their ratings from the state of California, Department of Education, I at least reported to the feds today – that Bauer Speck Elementary School, on 17th Street in Paso, is functioning so far below the state standards in English and Math, it will be a miracle if these children will ever catch up. They are performing way beneath their grade levels. They are being robbed of a free public education, which the state and the feds guarantee. I reported them to the Office of Civil Rights. The school is approximately 78% Hispanic and 22% White, according to the state. And the student make up is considered “poor’ for the majority. This school and the rest of the failing public schools are located in Supervisorial District 1, John Peschong’s, and one of his fans made a remark this morning that this is what his company is supposed to do. Well, John, quit the Board then and go run your company. You certainly are not paying attention to the educational needs of the children in your District. And that goes for airhead Congressman Salud Carbajal, and where is Jordan Cunningham, our state Assemblyman on this subject?
Each and every failed schools needs to be reported to the Feds. This is a major betrayal to the citizens and residents of Paso Robles, CA.
I believe you want to voice your concerns about education to these elected officials… they are responsible for education. https://www.pasoschools.org/domain/22
Joel Peterson, Board President
Stephanie Ulibarri, Board Clerk
Chris Arend
Chris Bausch
Lance Gannon
Tim Gearhart
Joan Summers
That’s the PRJUSD Board of Trustees.
You could also check out the complaint procedures found here: https://www.pasoschools.org/site/handlers/…
I’m all for holding people responsible, when it is reasonable.
Well, well, well. Peshong is at fault. Good to know.