After listening to the candidate forum on April 28 with Jimmy Paulding and Adam Verdin, my vote is with Paulding for the 4th District supervisor. He is articulate and also extremely well-versed on the issues due to his experience over the past three-plus years. It takes considerable time to get up to speed in understanding the various local and state entities as well as the laws that pertain to a myriad of issues. I want to see the well-earned expertise that Paulding has accrued to continue so that SLO County can progress on safety issues (a Nipomo sheriff substation and three-person staffing at 5 Cities Fire Authority), infrastructure projects, homelessness, affordable housing—all done ethically and responsibly.
Jean Baker
Nipomo
This article appears in May 14-21, 2026.