PACIFIC GROVE >> Many Californians have already gotten their ballots and started voting as the Nov. 5 General Election approaches.

Pacific Grove residents will vote for a new mayor and fill three council seats. Running for mayor will be former council member Daniel Miller, 69; Mayor Pro Tempore Nick Smith, 44; and Nonprofit executive director Dionne Ybarra, 53.

Key topics likely to come up in the next year for city council are creating a cannabis business in Pacific Grove, creating a roundabout at the intersection of Congress, Cedar and Sunset, and the city’s plan to expand the sidewalk at Lighthouse Avenue.

Many candidates share views and stances on top issues in Pacific Grove, including cannabis, equity and inclusion.

Miller is a retired businessman from Pacific Grove. He’s served on the council before for more than six years and served on the city’s Planning Commission for three years. Miller supports cannabis in Pacific Grove, or at least leave it up to the voters and the city’s plan to expand the sidewalks. However, Miller has spoken out against the intersection project during public comments in city council meetings. He says his priority is ensuring Pacific Grove is business-friendly and can continue to grow.

“I have the background to make sure the development of the American Tin Cannery doesn’t destroy our coast but compliments it. The filling of empty buildings downtown is a priority and by providing a welcoming environment at City Hall I believe perspective business owners will feel comfortable investing in our future,” Miller said in a candidate statement.

Nick Smith is the current Mayor Pro Tempore for Pacific Grove and earned the endorsement of Mayor Bill Peake, who will not seekre-election. Smith moved to Pacific Grove more than 10 years ago and has mostly worked in civil litigation, helping local businesses and families. Smith has supported cannabis, the roundabout project and the sidewalk widening project for the city, prioritizing beautification and recreation for the public.

“As Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember for eight years, I focused on infrastructure, roads and sidewalks, protecting the environment and coastline, youth recreation and fiscal stability,” Smith said in a candidate statement. “As Mayor, I’m determined to prioritize downtown beautification, affordable housing and complete streets.”

Ybarra moved to Pacific Grove as a young mother in the early 90s to raise her three sons. She has worked as a parent educator assisting mothers through childbirth, a community activist for family rights, and as an operations and finance manager for an environmental nonprofit.

Her top issues are improving accessibility and embracing environmental protections and resources.

Ybarra supports cannabis in the city and more transparency from the council and city affairs.

“I will advocate and be a voice for our diverse community,” Ybarra said in a candidate statement. “A mayor should be a trusted, active communication link between the community members and the city. I will strive to engage our city’s stakeholders especially those who feel they have not been heard or represented, allowing residents to increase their direct democracy.”