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County supervisors sworn in

By April Charlton/Senior Staff Writer

A newly seated freshman county supervisor vowed Monday to restore the public’s faith and trust in the five-member elected body.

“These are tough times and we have some serious challenges ahead,” 3rd District Supervisor Adam Hill said, after taking the oath of office. “But I think the new board is up to the task.”

Hill unseated incumbent 3rd District Supervisor Jerry Lenthall in the June 2008 primary election. Lenthall didn’t attend the swearing-in ceremony that drew a standing-room-only crowd.

The third district encompasses Grover Beach, Avila Beach, Pismo Beach and parts of South San Luis Obispo.

Hill also told the large audience, which included his mother who flew in from New Jersey for the ceremony, that as a county supervisor he will “seek to rejuvenate the public’s trust in the board.”

“I’m asking you to have faith, confidence and even hope” it will happen, he added.

During the last year, the Board of Supervisors has been publicly criticized for not listening to the public and making decisions that went against the will of the people.

Longtime board member Harry Ovitt also didn’t win his 2008 re-election bid, losing his seat to former Paso Robles Mayor Frank Mecham.

Mecham also took the oath of office Monday, along with re-elected 5th District Supervisor Jim Patterson and Hill. Mecham’s grandfather sat on the very first San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors in 1852.

“This is an honor and a great privilege to serve this county,” Mecham said.

After the swearing-in, the supervisors selected a new chair and vice chair for 2009. Supervisor Bruce Gibson will serve as board chair and Mecham will serve as vice chair.

acharlton@theadobepress.com