Last month, Democrat Arroyo Grande Mayor Caren Ray Russom crossed the aisle and endorsed Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) for reelection, citing his ability to be a “strong, independent voice who works hard for all the people he represents.”

Earlier this week, Mayor Ray Russom published an op-ed in the San Luis Obispo Tribune about her Cunningham endorsement.

 “We both agree that especially during this pandemic our small businesses need focused support. Further, he has taken very strong action to support education legislation via Career Technical Education (CTE), which I believe is something really important to our next generation of students. He has taken measures against teen vaping as well, something I made a strong stand against as I introduced a policy that bans the sale of vaping products in our city.

“Jordan and I work hard to serve all our constituents, regardless of party. That’s what good leaders do.”

Mayor Ray Russom ends her piece asking voters to consider more than just party registration when casting their vote:

“We should not dismiss others, or embrace others, simply for their party registration. We are strongest when divergent thinking is embraced. I will fight for that for as long as I am able.”

To read Mayor Caren Ray Russom’s entire piece in the San Luis Obispo Tribune, click here.