By Theresa-Marie Wilson

Pismo Beach Mayor Shelly Higginbotham has tossed her hat in the ring joining several other candidates seeking the seat for 3rd District Supervisor in the June 2016 primary election.
“I am running because I believe the 3rd district deserves leadership that will prioritize civil discourse and mutual respect,” Higginbotham said. “Working to focus on continued public safety, improving the infrastructure, balancing the community needs, and remembering to spend taxpayer dollars cautiously. Plus, I absolutely believe in public service and want to continue serving.”
Higginbotham has served as mayor for the last three terms as well as previous terms as councilwoman and city parks commissioner in Pismo Beach. She is currently president of the League of California Cities, Channel Counties Division.
Higginbotham and her husband of 28 years, Dr. Robert Higginbotham, moved to Pismo Beach in 1984 where they raised three children. The couple was named the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year in 2012.
“I have lived in this county since 1979,” Higginbotham said. “I have been involved in my community countywide by volunteering on a variety of non- profit boards.  I have been involved in my children’s schools. Earned two degrees from Cal Poly, and have lived in Morro Bay, Los Osos, and now Pismo Beach. During my tenure as an elected official in Pismo Beach I have had the privilege of working with many elected officials and have developed great relationships. I believe we need representation that can cross the aisle’ even though this race is supposed to be non- partisan.”
Higginbotham volunteers with the Five-Cities Homeless Coalition, Childhood Development Resource Center and the League of Women Voters, and is an advisory board member for the Children’s Resource Network.
Former Grover Beach mayor Debbie Peterson and San Luis Obispo City Councilman Dan Carpenter will also run for the seat. Adam Hill, who has held since 2009, will seek re-election.
The 3rd district includes a portion of San Luis Obispo, Edna Valley, Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach and Grover Beach.