I’m very happy to report that at 3:51 Friday afternoon, the Clerk Recorder posted the results of today’s count.  With ten ballots still remaining uncounted, I received 6759 votes and Paul Brown received 6585 votes. 

That’s a win by 1.11%.

After ten long days I’m relieved that the outcome now is determined.  The closeness of the race makes me all the more grateful for the support that you have provided–moral, financial and volunteer.

There will be a victory party, but not tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Your Mayor-elect,

Jan

In one of the county’s closest contests in Tuesday’s election, former City Councilman Paul Brown has conceded to Councilwoman Jan Marx in their race for mayor of San Luis Obispo.

Brown confirmed Saturday night that he telephoned Marx the night before.

“I called Jan and told her that at this point, it looks like she has won, and wished her well,” Brown wrote in an e-mail to The Tribune.

“The difference between Jan and I is currently at 298 votes,” he noted. “It is highly unlikely there will be a 18 percent swing in my favor in the remaining ballots to be counted.”

There are 1,738 ballots remaining to be counted in the race for the two-year mayoral position, according to the county Clerk-Recorder’s Office.

Marx’s lead had widened as votes were counted in the days following Tuesday’s election.

The pictures tell the story.

Louie Ortega and Jan at Halloween Benefit

Our last campaign event was Sunday’s Halloween festive fundraiser at the Steynberg gallery. A good number of supporters arrived–many in costume–to hear Louie Ortega and friends perform and to share food and drink in Peter’s comfortable, stimulating venue.  I dressed up as Jan Marx, mayoral candidate.  Here’s a little slideshow of the occasion.

I’d like to thank all 405 of you who donated money and volunteer time to this campaign.  Also the 250 individuals and groups who endorsed me, including three County Supervisors, former mayors Allan Settle and Ken Schwartz, State Superintendant of Education, Jack O’Connell, our Firefighters and Police Officers, and the SLO Tribune. We placed over 250 yard signs and walked most of the city’s precincts.

Today the outcome of these efforts is determined.  Please stop by the Big Sky Cafe tonight, election night, any time after 7:30, to watch the returns come in on the big screen.

However it turns out, your participation and help has made this race a gratifying experience for me.

Yours,

Jan

Read the whole article

Sam Gross, Empower Poly President, stated: “Jan is a unique elected official who truly understands that we need to succeed both economically and ecologically, if our generation is to achieve a sustainable future.  She really cares about students.  Last year, she worked with her Rotary Club and students to fund the “missing link” of the new Railroad Safety Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail parallel to California Blvd. She also supported the Mountain Bike Skills Course in the city’s Stenner Canyon Open Space area north of campus. As Mayor, she will implement cutting edge renewable energy and smart growth policies, expand open space and local bike trails and encourage more students to actively participate in the life of the community.  Come November 2, Empower Poly encourages you to vote for Jan Marx.”

I recommend voters support Jan Marx for mayor along with Andrew Carter and Kathy Smith for City Council. These three have the policy experience in areas vital to a successful city such as an understanding of budget issues, land use policy and growth management.

Two are now serving on the City Council and Smith is seeking a return to the City Council.

As a City Council member, I have worked with and observed all three over the last several years and find them able to represent all the voters in the city. They are all accessible, accountable and approachable and deserve your vote on Nov. 2.

Allen K. Settle

San Luis Obispo

Dues are paid

Who is Paul Brown, running for mayor of San Luis Obispo?

Brown served one undistinguished term on the City Council. He was often noted showing his disdain for persons appearing before the City Council with whom he disagreed.

While on the City Council, Brown was served with a restraining order obtained by his then-wife, alleging that she was a victim of physical abuse.

Why should we think he would be a successful mayor for our town?

On the other hand, his opponent, Jan Marx, has been a longtime successful San Luis Obispo attorney who has devoted years of service to our city on various boards, commissions and on the City Council. She has paid her dues, is steady and reliable and deserves your vote.

James M. Duenow

San Luis Obispo

Jan Marx considers the best interests of all of us, like citizens struggling in the current economic climate as well as the interests of small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy.

She has consistently supported public safety, open space, clean air and water and the importance of environmental responsibility, for everyone’s benefit. Marx cares about city residents and pays attention to the big picture and details of city business, which will make her an excellent mayor.

Angie King

To add to it, email:  jan@janmarx.com

“During these difficult budget times we need an experienced coalition builder like Jan Marx as Mayor of San Luis Obispo,” stated former San Luis Obispo Mayor Allen Settle.  “She has the best interest of the entire community at heart and she will work full time as Mayor to make San Luis Obispo a great place to live, work and raise a family

Marx previously served on the City Council from 1998 to 2002 and was re-elected with the highest number of votes in 2008.  Her colleagues on the City Council appointed her to represent the city on the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, San Luis Obispo Regional Transportation Agency and the Air Pollution Control District, roles usually reserved for the Mayor.  She has practiced estate planning, real property and local government law and has owned her own business for 17 years.  Marx is a former Deputy District Attorney with extensive training in mediation and negotiation.  A long time San Luis Obispo homeowner, she is married with two grown children and four grandsons.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the support of former Mayors Ken Schwartz and Allen Settle,” stated Jan Marx.  “They are both role models for me.  Their endorsements demonstrate the broad support within our community for my candidacy.”

Check out the rest of the full-page article here.
(You may need to click on the text to enlarge it)

“Jan Marx is the clear choice for mayor of San Luis Obispo,” said O’Connell in a news release. “She has the best interest of the community at heart and she will work full time as mayor to make San Luis Obispo a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

O’Connell has more than passing interest in the race — he makes his home in San Luis Obispo.

Marx previously served on the City Council from 1998 to 2002 and was re-elected in 2008. She represents the city on the San Luis Obispo County Council of Governments, San Luis Obispo Regional Transportation Agency and the Air Pollution Control District. A longtime San Luis Obispo homeowner, she is married with two grown children and four grandsons.