League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Sonoma County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Council Member; City of Sebastopol

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Sonoma County and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on wi-fi and meters, city growth, affordable housing, traffic, boost economy Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. Should WiFi and Smart Meters be restricted in Sebastopol? Should they be allowed at all and if so, where? Answer from Michael J Kyes: Smart meters are not really smart, they rely on a smart grid which doesn't yet exist, and smart appliances which don't exist yet either. In the long run a smart grid is a good thing but it is going to be quite a while before one exists. Meanwhile, consumers are paying the costs of installing smart meters without getting any benefit. And, intallation of smart meters eliminates the jobs of meter readers. A moratorium on smart meters to protect consumers is entirely justifiable. Perhaps the more significant issue is EMFs. I do not know if at the EMF intensity level of smart meters and wireless routers there is health risk. It is certainly well documented that high levels of EMFs do pose a risk. I do think that when 50 or so people attend a City council meeting with health concerns, the council should listen and look into their concerns. Great Britain banned lead in paint 100 years before the USA did. Just because something is generally accepted does not mean that there may not be cause for concern. However, at present we are surrounded by Wi-Fi everywhere. I can pick up four wi-fi networks in my home from my neighbors. There are dozens of wi-fi networks downtown. We might reduce EMFs by having a single network that everyone can use and which is secure for all users. Answer from Sarah Glade Gurney: I adhere to the precautionary principle and believe that investigation and research should first demonstrate that these practices are safe, reliable, and secure. Concerns about administrative errors, job loss, increased costs, potential hazards, breach of privacy, and health risks must be adequately and convincingly addressed by independent professional sources. Answer from Colleen Shea Fernald: I would like to see Sebastopol as a leader in creating the healthiest and safest environment possible. Existing WiFi is a concern to me, I would prefer it not be expanded. I have been vocal in calling for the City to have a moratorium on Smart Meters; as a City Council member I would vote to ensure this. Answer from Patrick Slayter: Wifi should be unregulated. The option to have a Smart Meter installed should be the choice of the property owner. That said, the ability to monitor one's energy use in real time via the internet is a valuable tool in our community's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work towards greater sustainability. Answer from Ronald Basso: WIFI should be allowed Smart meters should be a choice for each homeowner to decide on an individual basis unfortunately this may come down to a legal battle with no winners if we really want to change how energy is delivered we need to look at alternative energy solution's Answer from Maureen Ann Shea: WiFi should not be restricted, as long as it meets current regulatory standards. It is an effective tool in a our economy. The Smart Meter issue is more complicated. My biggest concern would be the city council taking action that would leave us open to a costly lawsuit. 2. Do you favor limiting growth or do you favor more growth? Please explain your answer. Answer from Ronald Basso: I believe that the Urban Growth Boundary should remain the same some of the greenest buildings we have are the ones already built we have tremendous opportunity working within our existing footprint Answer from Sarah Glade Gurney: I support our Urban Growth Boundary. It directs growth to available, key sites within our City and protects us with a surrounding green-belt. The properties that the City owns and currently uses as single-story, daytime car storage, present tremendous opportunity for the City to direct development to meet our community's priority needs. These needs were the result of six Town Hall meetings held this past year. Answer from Patrick Slayter: Sebastopol has an Urban Growth Boundary in place which is creating the type of city most residents would like to see; one with a vital core and increased density. Continuing to grow in this sustainable and intelligent way serves the greater good. Answer from Colleen Shea Fernald: Accountable development is the best fit to retain our small town charm. Assurances are needed that our water supply and traffic congestion are addressed before further growth is permitted. Community Impact Reports can ensure that new development is appropriate for our balanced best interest. Answer from Michael J Kyes: Sebastopol has a growth management ordinance that already limits new construction. Our General Plan also establishes limits on traffic congestion and requries that new construction not be allowed if it will cause our traffic congeston to become worse than those standards. Sebastopol has a limited carrying capacity for accommodating additional new construction and monitors the impact on an annual basis. I am in favor of continuing these policies. We should work to grow our economy but this does not mean allowing unlimited new construction it means capturing more of the retail sales from our extended market area throughout west county. We want the people who drive through town to stop and shop. We should focus on rehabilitating existing buildings and infill development where appropriate. Answer from Maureen Ann Shea: I believe that whatever growth we have has to be evaluated in terms of it's impact on our water needs and traffic challenges. I'd like to see more transitional housing for our young adults who are starting out in life and not ready to make a permanent housing choice. We've lost some bigger businesses in the recent past and I would like to see commercial growth that provides good paying jobs and increased revenues for the city. 3. Do you want to build more housing for medium income people? Answer from Maureen Ann Shea: I would like to see housing for mid-income rental units. I think we will be seeing more people deciding not to buy homes because of many factors. I think the question is: How can we maintain, or create more rental homes/condos/apartments for families who cannot afford to buy, don't want to commit to buying in an uncertain market, and/or don't qualify for low income housing assistance? Answer from Colleen Shea Fernald: There is sufficient housing stock for medium income folks. Low, and very low income housing is still needed as our economy recovers. I'd like to see more rent-to-own options; and I appreciate the sweat equity opportunities. I will work to get Federal & State funding, along with local redevelopment funds directed at Green re-models for owners, and renters. Improvements made for healthy indoor air quality are just as important as energy and water efficiency. Answer from Patrick Slayter: Housing for residents, of all ages, ranging from the medium to the low income brackets is an important goal for the city to have. Sebastopol has made progress over the last few years, but there is still unmet need. Answer from Michael J Kyes: The city exceeds State mandated affordable housing requirements through at least 2014. The City has no transitional housing and no permanent supportive housing. The City also lacks affordable senior housing. I believe that the City should be focusing on these needs. Answer from Ronald Basso: I would encourage upper floor residential development above our downtown retail,again a return to traditional,proven modes of living. In this way, we take advantage of the original footprint, preserving our precious open space AND increase density where it's most desirable Answer from Sarah Glade Gurney: I have three top housing needs. First, I want the City to promote the building of moderate income level affordable housing, a category in which we are lacking. Second, I see the need for smaller scale housing in town, for first-time buyers and/or homeowners seeking to downsize and move into town nearer to services, community activities, and a walkable area in the event they no longer drive. Third, I see an opportunity for an assisted living facility, so that our elders can remain in town rather than be forced to relocate. 4. Would you like to see two way traffic returned to downtown Sebastopol? Answer from Sarah Glade Gurney: No. When I moved here 32 years ago, our main streets were two-way. It was very difficult to get across these streets, to make any left-hand turn in the downtown area, and to move easily through town due to left-hand turners stopping traffic lanes, hence the decision to go to one-way. I want to address the safety and flow issues in the one-way system. Our pedestrians, bicyclists, and shoppers need a friendlier, more enjoyable atmosphere, with ease of travel and parking. Answer from Patrick Slayter: Rethinking Main Street, including the return of two-way traffic, would provide opportunities to widen the sidewalks, allow for outdoor dining spaces, increase landscaping and generally create a more appealing experience. Answer from Maureen Ann Shea: Yes. I think it would make it easier for people to navigate the downtown area and would encourage visitors to stop and explore our town. Answer from Ronald Basso: I would advocate for wider sidewalks, increased crossing times at intersections, and above all, a return to 2 way traffic--this would remove the 'highway' atmosphere of Main St.and de-emphasize the supremacy of the car over pedestrians. Why should our town's charm, rhythm, and viability be sacrificed to commuters? Answer from Colleen Shea Fernald: I would like to do what the majority finds best. We need to poll the Sebastopol citizens, and those in our sphere of influence on this before changes are made. There are other factors creating our congestion issues; holistic solutions are needed or not much will change. Answer from Michael J Kyes: Two-way traffic would be a disaster. It would create complete gridlock. The City's economic growth is already being curtailed by traffic congestion and lack of parking, switching back to two way traffic would put downtown businesses out of business and drive more commuters to use residential streets as bypasses. It would be a complete waste of time and money to even consider it. 5. What measures would you suggest to help boost our local economy? Answer from Sarah Glade Gurney: I support our Economic Development Coordinator, Business Out- reach Committee, Business Incubator, and Chamber of Commerce, in the efforts to improve service delivery, build successes, and enhance revenues. I will pursue improvements to our urban core and South Gravenstein areas, including our signage system. I will establish our Cittaslow Committee, to unify our business efforts, create economies of effort and money, and build synergy. I want to develop the City's lots to populate downtown with lively business and residents. Answer from Colleen Shea Fernald: Continue all that is currently being done for business outreach with the Chamber of Commerce, etc. It's important to put extra support into the new business incubator, Go Local, Transition Sebastopol and Cittaslow programs. Target Green Tech/Clean Tech product and service companies to locate here. I would encourage diverse advertising plans to reach new markets. Increase the visibility on our great cultural and entertainment activities. Have increased communication options: bulletin boards and online polls, etc. to help the City, businesses, groups and individuals serve each other better. Lobby the Federal government for appropriate appropriations; CityCARE, not WARfare! Answer from Michael J Kyes: First we must create an environment where businesses can thrive, including support for a business incubator and ensuring that our downtown has the amenities to attract shoppers. This includes doing everything we can to mitigate our traffic problems, ensure that we have adequate parking and improve signage to direct shoppers to parking. We need to make our downtown as pedestrian and bicyle friendly as possible. We must aggressively work to attract new businesses that will be drawn to Sebastopol's green ethic, progressive ideals and agricultural heritage. Capitalize on our assets including our arts community, antique businesses, high quality food/wine, green energy, wellness/health care, ecotourism and vintage clothing by promoting these business sectors. We should continue to support and promote our various festivals and fairs, some of which appeal to regional and even national audiences. Promoting programs that encourage residential and commercial energy and water retrofits which will result in creating jobs and taxable sales while saving consumers money. We need to promote Sebastopol shopping opportunities and services to people who live throughout West County via various means, particularly the internet. Answer from Maureen Ann Shea: I would work with the Chamber to attract visitors from out of the area, especially foreign tourists, to make Sebastopol part of their Sonoma County experience by highlighting our shops, restaurants, and art attractions. I would support the Business Outreach Committee in their ongoing efforts to keep growing a vibrant business atmosphere. Answer from Ronald Basso: We are in as service area that has 40000 possible customers we need to work with existing business to provide services not currently offered. business incubators to educate our existing merchants and support new business. Answer from Patrick Slayter: Sebastopol is uniquely sited between the coast and the wine country; a great home base for out-of-the-area vacationers. Marketing to increase tourism would create new jobs and an increase in economic activity. The creation of the Sebastopol Business Incubator will help local businesses to grow and thrive. Continuing to promote the Chamber of Commerce's "Shop Local" program will help our local economy. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. Candidates may not refer to any other candidates in their answers. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.