Santa Maria residents will have a chance to hear directly from the two candidates vying for the 3rd City Council District seat at a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters tomorrow evening. Incumbent Councilmember Gloria Soto and challenger Corby Poulis will outline their visions for the city’s southwest area, a region poised for demographic growth and budgetary challenges.
Forum details and community focus
The forum will take place at the Boyd Concert Hall on the campus of Allan Hancock College, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a brief appearance by Santa Barbara County District 5 supervisor candidates, followed by all seven Santa Maria City Council candidates at 7:00 p.m. The event offers a family‑friendly setting where parents, seniors and young voters can ask questions about public safety, road maintenance, park improvements and other essential services.
Key issues on the agenda
Both candidates agree that municipal funding will dominate the discussion. In particular, they will address Measure C, a proposed sales‑tax extension designed to protect core city services such as police and fire protection, road repairs and park upkeep. Soto emphasizes the need for a stable revenue stream to keep Santa Maria’s neighborhoods safe and well‑maintained, while Poulis argues for a careful review of spending priorities to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
Candidate perspectives
In separate pre‑forum interviews, Councilmember Soto highlighted her record of supporting local schools, faith‑based community programs and small‑business growth. She noted that the southwest district’s expanding families require reliable infrastructure and that Measure C is a prudent tool to meet those needs without raising property taxes.
Poulis, a local entrepreneur, framed his campaign around fiscal responsibility and greater transparency in city budgeting. He pledged to conduct regular town‑hall meetings, give parents a stronger voice in decisions affecting parks and recreation, and explore alternative funding mechanisms that do not increase the sales tax burden.
Why the forum matters
Candidate forums like this one are a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, allowing voters to evaluate how each contender will uphold the values of faith, family and individual liberty that many Santa Maria households cherish. The League of Women Voters’ nonpartisan format encourages civil discourse and gives community members the information they need to make an informed choice at the November ballot.
What’s next for District 3
The election for the 3rd District seat is scheduled for November 5. Voters can find polling locations and sample ballots on the city’s official website. Both Soto and Poulis have pledged to continue engaging with residents throughout the campaign, emphasizing that the council’s role is to serve the community’s best interests, protect public safety and preserve the quality of life that families in Santa Maria rely on.
As Santa Maria prepares for demographic expansion, the decisions made by the city council will shape the everyday experiences of its citizens—from safe streets for children to well‑maintained parks for families gathering on weekends. Attending the forum is an opportunity for every resident to voice concerns, support responsible budgeting and ensure that the city’s future aligns with the values that have long defined this community.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
