Former Santa Maria police chief John Sterling has gained the endorsement of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) employees union SEIU locals 620 and 721 in the race for the 4th District Supervisoral seat, the SEIU announced Tuesday. Sterling is facing off against ten-year incumbent Joni Gray.
The endorsement comes after a town hall meeting in Solvang, where more than 40 county employees were on-hand. “SEIU members endorsed Sterling because he has committed to ensuring wage and benefit standards to recruit and retain quality public employees in their jobs,” according to an SEIU press release, which said SEIU members are ready for a change of leadership. “He also made a commitment to maintaining public safety and advocating an open door policy with his potential constituents.”
The 4th District includes the communities of Lompoc, Orcutt and Guadalupe.
The election is June 3.