Candidate for
Council Member; City of Sebastopol

I am seeking public office because I wish to give back to the community I love. Like all cities in California, we are facing financial difficulties, shrinking staffing, depletion of our reserves and sinking morale. We have recently lost our City manager and need to hire a new one. I will be looking for someone with strong credentials in finance and management. I have done this in the past and feel ready to do so again.

We have had a very divided City Council. I believe with my even handedness and common sense approach I can help bring a more collegial atmosphere. I have very strong green building credentials, affordable housing background and business expertise. I represent a moderate voice for the community which is why I've found support among two neighborhood groups: Sebastopol Citizens and Sustainable Sebastopol.org.

The City Council needs keep our infrastructure in good repair. To do this, we need to raise more funds. The current council has put a 1/2 cent sales tax on the ballot and has raised the utility rates. I suggested a 1/4 cent increase so that we would not be the highest tax in the county, however, I support their actions. If elected I will make sure those added funds are spent wisely and for the needed repairs to our infrastructure.

We also need a vibrant local economy. I pledge to work with the local business community to help wherever I can to encourage new and existing businesses to flourish, creating new jobs and increasing tax dollars. I have successfully run a small business for 17 years and can bring a small business perspective to the Council.

Traffic continues to be a problem. If elected I will help the city work with Cal Trans to try and mitigate these impacts. I'll also work with individual neighborhoods to slow traffic and ease congestion where ever possible. I will work with our Police Department to make our streets safer for pedestrians and drivers.

Previously when on the City Council and Planning Commission, I helped develop the Laguna Park Master Plan and our General Plan. I believe the City has done an excellent job on Environmental Issues, including reducing its Carbon Footprint by installing solar at its facilities. I designed one of those facilities. I will continue to protect the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Atascadero Creek, our aquifer and to reduce our use of energy and water throughout the city.

If elected I will work on creating incentive programs and rebates for older homes and businesses that use the majority of our energy and water and need help to upgrade. Lastly we need to keep a preference for infill development and higher densities in the down town core, to avoid sprawl. I support the renewal of our Urban Growth Boundary and continued visioning of our future development.