Smith, Coletti face off in Pacific Grove mayor's race

Pacific Grove Mayor Nick Smith will defend his seat against challenger Luke Coletti on Election Day, Nov. 3.

The contest pits an incumbent who touts infrastructure gains against a former council member running on government accountability. Monterey County NOW first reported the head-to-head matchup in a profile by reporter Pam Marino.

Coletti, listed as a public policy advocate on the Monterey County candidate roster, won a council seat in 2020 by finishing first in a six-way race. Smith finished second. By 2024 their positions had flipped: Smith won the mayor's office, and Coletti finished fourth in his bid to keep his council seat, according to Monterey County NOW.

The pay-raise referendum

The race's defining issue is a council pay raise that voters rejected. In May 2025, Smith and four council members voted to increase compensation for the first time in 26 years. Coletti and his group, Transparent Pacific Grove, forced a referendum. The council placed the question on the June 2 ballot as Measure C. It failed with just 44 percent support.

Monterey County NOW reported that the anti-raise sentiment may explain why Coletti appears to be gaining support.

Competing visions

The candidates also split on a proposed roundabout at the five-way intersection of Sunset Drive and Congress Avenue. Coletti opposed the project while on the council. Smith supported it.

On downtown revitalization, both candidates say they favor a livelier commercial core. Coletti, however, accuses Smith of offering "knee-jerk" support for staff proposals. "That's not really the oversight function we're meant to do," Coletti told Monterey County NOW.

Smith has pointed to completed work during his term: sidewalk repairs, Safe Routes to School improvements, a climate action plan, an amended housing element and two-year budgeting for the general fund and capital improvements.

The sharpest divide concerns how council members interact with city staff. Smith says the council sets policy, with questions directed through the city manager. Coletti points to an ordinance he brought to the council in 2023 that would give members a direct "inquiry right" with staff. An employee union opposed it.

That debate plays out against a leadership transition at City Hall. The council appointed Chip Rerig as interim city manager while a national search continues. Smith said in a city statement that Rerig brings extensive municipal leadership experience and understands the issues important to the community.