League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Sonoma County, CA June 3, 2008 Election
	Rue Furch Answers Questions Candidate for County Supervisor; Sonoma County; Supervisorial District 5

The questions were prepared by the the League of Women Voters of Sonoma County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. In your opinion, how would the proposed SMART commuter railroad impact Sonoma County?

I support SMART especially as it would integrate bus routes, bike paths and walkable communities. We need to run smaller buses more frequently. I have lived in and visited other places where a transportation system is fully integrated and moves people seamlessly around. We need to make it very easy to use public transit. Many places do this very successfully. It is also key that development around SMART fit and support public transportation

2. How can Sonoma County improve mental health services in the county?

As I look at what we can and should be doing to maintain mental health services in Sonoma County, I do not see the necessary leadership from a majority on the Board. We deserve better. The Supervisors are responsible for closure of the Norton facility and the proposed closure of the Orenda Center. I promise to do everything possible to provide mental health services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Throwing addicts in the drunk tank simply perpetuates a pointless cycle. And when a mentally distressed young woman stops taking her medications and has a psychotic episode, her parents should not have to call the county jail to find out how she's doing.

3. If elected, how will you keep yourself informed of your constituents' concerns, and your constituents informed of your stances and activities?

I would like to set up citizen advisory committees for many of our communities who do not have official governing bodies, and are not likely to have them unless they incorporate. Participants should represent the spectrum of their community in order to have a balanced view, and a voice for all stakeholders. The sizes of these groups would vary based on each community and the complexity of the issues. I also have committed to regular visits in every village in the Fifth District to meet with constituents. The schedule will be posted on line so people will know the schedule, and not have to drive to Santa Rosa to meet their representative.

4. How would you balance the need for developing housing and business with environmental stewardship?

I believe that a balance must be struck between environmental protection and economic development. Both are critical to our future. The balance must include both as fundamental values, without compromising or neglecting the other. Irreversible impacts must not be underestimated in favor of short-term gains. It is also important to consider decisions that are economically beneficial to one community or industry, but detrimental to another. Any comparison of economic gains must reflect a sum of all economic gains and economic costs. The aggregate economic impact should be balanced against the environmental costs.

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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.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 20, 2008 16:15
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