Meet Will McAfee and learn why he wants to work for you!

By Will McAfee

Will discusses a number of issues important to Cotati citizens, from water to housing, traffic and growth, learn why Will is an excellent choice in representing you on the Cotati City Council.

As a Cotati resident and  member of the most respected and widely recognized environmental organization in the world, I know you care about the future of our City... and planet. 

Therefore, let me introduce myself and my platform as a Cotati City Council Candidate.

Introduction:

I have lived in and around Cotati for the last 24 years.  I own a small,  retail-wholesale business which specializes in imports, collectibles and food products. I am  a member of the Sierra Club - Redwood Chapter,  Sonoma Group Executive Committee and the Russian River Watershed Council. I am a committed conservationist,  who believes in the importance of participation in the pragmatic, day to day workings of government.

Urban Sprawl:

The pressure of ever increasing sprawl in Sonoma County will be  reflected in Cotati's land use planning decisions.  Due to this rapid urbanization, our town is  faced with changes that can forever, alter its size and unique character . To the observant eye,  the impacts of growth and depletion of resources are evident. And as always, Cotati  citizens have divergent views on how we should grow.  Some people believe Cotati should welcome High Technology industries.  These people may foresee Silicon Valley as their vision for Sonoma County.   

Others, like myself, prefer to see thoughtful growth, built on a consenses of differing views.  I want Cotati to enhance its unique qualities, and not lose its identity by merging with larger surrounding urban areas.

Land Use Planning in Cotati:

Due to the virtual buildout of Santa Clara County, the High Technology industries are actively seeking to locate in Sonoma County.  If this occurs, we will experience large population increases, more expensive housing, infrastructure expansion costs, traffic congestion and urban  sprawl.  Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa have promoted High Technology industries and as a result are experiencing rapid urbanization.   Cotati's Future Rests in Good Land Use Planning.

South Sonoma Business Park:

One pivitol question facing the people of Cotati:  Do we want to become a one corporation town?  Cell phone giant Nokia,wants to move their corporate headquarters to the proposed South Sonoma Business Park located near the junction of the 101 Freeway and Gravenstein Highway. This proposed  Park would contain approximately ten  2-3 story  buildings, covering over 600,000 square ft. with a parking capacity of 2,500 vehicles. Nokia, as the anchor tenant, would employ 1,000 people. The developer of this site, estimates this will create at least 5,000 extra car trips  per day through Cotati . The proposed  Business Park location contains 2.5 acres of  irreplaceable, natural wetands located close to the Laguna de Santa Rosa  headwaters. The importance of the Laguna as a natural  resource (providing flood control, wildlife habitat and groundwater  recharge) cannot be underestimated.  This Business Park, if approved,  would fill in a vital wetlands within the Cotati City limits.

Is this what Cotati needs?

I believe our City should reflect its small  town character by promoting a slow and thoughtful planning style. We are fortunate to be in close proximity to the academic atmosphere  provided by Sonoma State University.  Why not attract small private schools to compliment this ambience?  Why not draw smaller, more locally based businesses, rather than national chains or global corporations?  The Cotati General Plan specifies the downtown Hub as the principle cultural and retail center.  Therefore,creative planning and development  along with the implementation of Walkable Cotati, will make our town distinctively attractive and provide municipal revenues.

Water:

Currently, water quality and supply is our most serious regional issue. And the reality is: Cotati is one City within a Regional Water Infrastructure System. We all acknowledge the need for a continuation of our current water infrastructure to maintain city services.

However, any future decisions must be made based upon the Fact:  Only 60% of Cotati's water is drawn from  local ground water, with our remaining supply diverted from the Russian and Eel Rivers.

  SCWA and Amendment 11:

We are currently witnessing the repercussions of the Petaluma City  Council's stand against the Sonoma County Water Agency's (SCWA) proposed 11th Amendment (an agreement to expand infrastructure and water from the Russian/Eel Rivers to provide for future growth).  The majority of the Petaluma City Council  members have questioned the need for diverting 40% more water from  the Russian River  when the agency has emphasized little in the area of water conservation.

From a ratepayer perspective:

The total costs of Amendment 11 are  "uncapped" and may  require the construction of a Lake Sonoma Pipeline and Water Filtration Facility estimated at $500-600 million. This could mean a three to four  fold increase in water use rates! There are many questions and unresolved issues surrounding this massive public works project which the Cotati City Council  must address.

Aquifer Depletion and Growth:

There are serious public debates in progress regarding aquifer depletion by the City of Rohnert Park, which effects not only Cotati ,but nearby  Penngrove. One example of how intertwined the growth and water issues  have become is the recent lawsuit filed by Penngrove residents against  Rohnert Park. This litigation challenges that city's annexation of land,  without it's consideration of regional land use and resource impacts,  especially with regards to increased water requirements. In order to safeguard and wisely apportion our water, we must engage in sustainable practices and resource management. This requires  implementing mandatory water conservation measures and residential  recycling (gray water) development. The use of treated wastewater for agricultural and commercial business purposes must become standard  procedure. It is time to routinely consider the impacts of all new  development projects on our water supply. And permitting the construction of large Business Parks, on or near wetands is not good water resource strategy.

Affordable Housing:

The median price of a home in Sonoma County is $300,000.  We need affordable housing! Cotati enjoys an economic and culturally diverse population.  Without affordable housing, we cannot provide homes for our students, artists, single parents and others who can't afford current housing costs.  We need  low and  moderate income housing.  Ideally, these units should be high density and  located near transportion and service facilities to allow for the option of walking. And we  need to develope assistance for lower income  people to afford buying a home.

No More "Business as Usual:"

We can no longer afford to conduct business as usual by pretending that environmental problems are exaggerated.  It is important we elect  public officials who will take responsibility for  decisions which protect our resources and the health and safety of our citizens.  I am  committed to that kind of decision making.  I hope you agree and will vote for me on November 7th.  

Sincerely,  

Will Mcafee