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

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 was on the first SMART Board and have been an advocate and supporter ever since. SMART, to me, is an investment in our future. In addition to providing a clean and safe alternative to the automobile, it promises to be the seed to Transit Oriented Development. As a commute alternative, SMART will reduce green house gas emissions and will open opportunities for freight - resulting in fewer trucks and a healthier environment.

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

At a recent candidate forum, we were ask, "What is the one thing you would not cut from the County budget?" My answer was mental health. Given our current reimbursement rates, it is difficult to be competitive in attracting mental health care providers, especially psychiarists. We need to work with our local hospitals, and all stakeholders, to develop incentives that will attract these professionals. It's unbelievable to me that we have no acute beds for the mentally ill in this county. Our county jail is the default facility for many with mental illness. We need to examine what funds are being expended to deal with this issue (both in the public & private sector) and define new and more effective,responsible ways to deliver this needed service.

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

I have always had an open door policy and encouraged constituent meetings. I am active in the community and easily available. In addition, I will keep an active web site that will keep interested parties up-do-date on timely issues as well as provide a vehicle for communication and feed-back.

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

I have always said that the economy and enviroment are not mutually exclusive - they go hand in hand. Our cities and the County have done a reasonable job in establishing green building standards however, I believe we need to take the next step by having a regional program. By giving "Green" development a priority we can incentivitize projects with streamlined processing and funding assistance.

Sonoma County has a reputation for being foward thinking and acting - the recent announcement by the Sonoma County Water Agency to establish the first carbon neutral "community" is an example. We need to continue to set the standard and set lofty, yet realistic goals.

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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 12, 2008 08:55
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