Frequently Asked Questions

Please email me if you cannot find an answer to your question - Debbie@MayorDebbie.com.

Can people really make a difference?

Yes! The citizens of Grover Beach have done amazing things this year since they discovered in September 2023 that the city was planning to double their water bills over the next four years. 2,000 of the 5,000 water customers (half the voters in the city!) wrote to the city council asking them to reconsider the flawed project that would double their water bills. In December 2023 when the council voted to double their water bills despite their letters, the people of Grover Beach initiated a recall of the 3 council members who refused to listen. When city hall blocked their recalls, these citizens won a May 2024 lawsuit in which the city elections officer was convicted of violating election law and commanded by the judge to allow a recall, which is now on the 2024 ballot along with Measure G-24 to Repeal the Water Rate Increase. The citizens are currently petitioning for a measure to make the job of the city clerk/elections officer elected rather than appointed by the city manager and are running a candidate for mayor (that's me!) and a candidate in District 3, Marsha Bolyanatz (Marsha, Marsha, Marsha - Marsha B. for District 3.)

How can we learn more about making our communities better?

There are 5 steps to making a difference (see the video clips of my TV appearances here on this site). I share with regular citizens what I have learned as a lifelong student of communication with 20 years experience as a local elected representative and how to make the most of their abilities in the service of their communities. The steps anyone can take to be a vital part of their community are:

Show up—go to a public meeting—the City Council, Planning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, or a sewer board meeting.
Speak Up—if you have something to say, make sure you are heard!
Meet up—connect with others in the meetings. Go out for coffee. Get to know each other because Together, Everyone Achieves More (TEAM).
Chin Up - the Democratic process is a slow-moving and frustrating way to get anything done - it's also the BEST way! Be prepared for change to take time and lots of effort.
Follow up—once you have achieved change, be sure that your elected representatives do what they promised by attending meetings and monitoring their actions.

How do we reach you?

I look forward to discussing how we can work together to make a difference. Please reach out to me at Debbie@MayorDebbie.com or for immediate concerns, call or text me at 805-550-4490.