October 26th, 2010
Posted by Ted Appel in Watch Sonoma County
Six candidates are seeking three seats on the Sebastopol City Council: Ronald Basso, Colleen Fernald, Sarah Glade Gurney, Michael Kyes, Maureen Shea and Patrick Slayter.
The Press Democrat Editorial Board endorsed Gurney, Slayter and Shea on Oct. 26.
Sebastopol gets its share of attention with its squabbles over leaf blowers, WiFi signals and SmartMeters. But what hasn’t gotten much notice is how well Sebastopol has fared in this recession relative to other California communities. The city has done its share of belt-tightening, but overall it has managed to balance its budget without job cuts or service reductions, and there are no major deficits on the horizon.
Nonetheless, economic development remains a significant issue in this fall’s City Council race as are perennial concerns about traffic and downtown parking. The next City Council also will be charged with updating the city’s general plan, establishing a community vision that was tested with the battle over the now-defunct Northeast Area Specific Plan targeted for the old apple-packing district. Voters have the responsibility of picking at least two new council members to help create that vision. We recommend the re-election of Mayor Sarah Gurney and the election of newcomers Patrick Slayter and Maureen Ann Shea.
Given decisions by longtime council members Larry Robinson and Linda Kelley not to seek re-election, Gurney stands to be the most experienced member on the council if re-elected. She should be. The city needs her perspective and leadership. Gurney, a 57-year-old mediation attorney who is serving her third term as mayor, is dedicated to preserving the small town charm of Sebastopol as well as the natural environment that permeates the community and its values. Gurney is not afraid to make difficult decisions and goes the extra mile — in holding town hall meetings, riding local buses, keeping office hours at the Farmers Market, etc. — to get input from residents.
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