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The questions were prepared by the the League of Women Voters of Sonoma County and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
SMART,
Mental Health,
Communication,
Sustainability
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. In your opinion, how would the proposed SMART commuter railroad impact Sonoma County?
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Answer from David J. Reber:
If done properly, a regional transit train will reduce highway traffic and environmental impact. However, SMART is not sufficient - BART is smarter. SMART is a train line from Cloverdale to somewhere short of Corte Madera - this is not a region. The right of way should be given to BART and constructed as part of the BART system, initially connecting to San Francisco via Golden Gate transit, but eventually connecting into the entire BART system - this is truly regional transit, and the only fast, comfortable and safe alternative a significant number of commuters will choose.
Answer from Valerie K. Brown:
I sit on the SMART board and am working toward a voter initiative on the ballot in November 2008. SMART provides an alternative to driving cars along Highway 101 and will eventually be able to address cargo, taking huge trucks off our roadways - much better for our quality oflife.
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2. How can Sonoma County improve mental health services in the county?
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Answer from David J. Reber:
First, by retaining Norton Center as an in-patient emergency mental health facility. Second, by continued political pressure for Medicare reimbursements reflecting today's costs, not 1965 standards when Sonoma County was rural with low living costs. Third, work with Sutter and Memorial Hospitals to develop incentives to attract psychiatrists, one of the critical medical specialties which are insufficiently staffed in Sonoma County because of low federal reimbursement rates and the high cost of living.
Answer from Valerie K. Brown:
Mental Health Services have been difficult since the federal government decided to mainstream everyone and disregard the complexities of those with mental illness. Sonoma County is vigilant about finding a facility for mental health referrals and working with district hospitals to fill the gap. It is unconscionable that we are incarcerating those with mental disabilities instead of treating them.
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3. If elected, how will you keep yourself informed of your constituents' concerns, and your constituents informed of your stances and activities?
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Answer from David J. Reber:
First and foremost, by returning calls within one business day. Anyone who thinks they have a problem serious enough to call their county supoervisor deserves to be heard. I will also attend community meetings, continue my membership in the organizations which I already belong to, stop and chat in the grocery store, and have regular office hours in both Santa Rosa and Sonoma Valley. To the extent possible, I will try to establish a large e-mail base to send updates to residents; I will not use constituent newsletters, as they tend to be self-serving and not cost effective, given the small number of people who actually read them.
Answer from Valerie K. Brown:
I remain very connected with my constituency, through public meetings, town hall get-togethers and phone calls. Plus I am accessible in the community and find the grocery store and post office are just as valuable for finding out information. We get around 150 calls in my office a month - I believe my constituents feel they are heard and responded to with usable information.
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4. How would you balance the need for developing housing and business with environmental stewardship?
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Answer from David J. Reber:
Environmental and economic policies both need to be grounded in facts and common sense; when they are, they do not conflict. Sonoma County will not experience the growth it has in the past 3 decades; the price of housing will reduce population growth to perhaps 2% per year. Enhancing the business environment is as much about how government conducts itself as the specific policies it adopts. I recognize that the private sector is the source of wealth and opportunity, and I recognize that we should all be responsible citizens of the Earth and protect the natural beauty which is Sonoma County.
Answer from Valerie K. Brown:
In our General Plan 2020 update - we are focusing on "Green" building and environmental planning focusing on energy efficiency and effectiveness. I believe our county is a model for solar energy, water management, and capital building improvements relying on "green" building. Thankfully funding is available to begin and complete projects that otherwise would be very costly. Our belief is if government to focus on environmentally sound building it will bring down the cost to residential builders improving the quality of life for all.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' answers are presented as submitted. Word limits for answers were 400 words for all 4 questions. Direct reference to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
