Local business owner and nonprofit board member Steven Funkhouser announced his campaign Wednesday to challenge incumbent Gloria Soto for the City Council’s District 3 seat in the November election.

In a ceremony held outside the Santa Maria Public Library, Funkhouser said his campaign will focus on agriculture, small businesses and a safer community.

District 3 voters will elect a candidate for a four-year term on Nov. 8. Only voters in District 3, which encompasses the southwestern portion of the city, can cast ballots in the race.

“My parents live in Cuyama, but it doesn’t matter if they lived across the country, they would’ve been here [at my election announcement],” Funkhouser said. “The people of Santa Maria are hard workers, like my family, and I believe I represent their values.”

Continue Reading Original Publication: Santa Maria Times