October 27, 2010
By JEREMY HAY, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Rohnert Park Mayor Pam Stafford heads into Nov. 2 seeking re-election with both the boost and drag of a long record for voters to assess and judge.
A review of her votes and statements since 2006 displays a willingness to make some unpopular cuts and take some minority stands. She has balked at budget savings proposals that would have closed some community institution, and has voted in ways that favor big business and big development.
As mayor since November, Stafford has had the final vote on some key council decisions. She has used it to clinch approvals of a proposed Wal-Mart expansion and a Codding Enterprises' mixed-use development.
A councilwoman since 2006, she has voted to require permits for people who want to drink alcohol in city parks and opposed hiring an auditor to review the city's finances.
She was on the winning end of a 2007 council vote to negotiate with employee groups over health benefits. The negotiations changed the city's benefits plan so employees and retirees pay more toward their insurance, saving the city an estimated $30 million over time.
And in a a series of decisions since June 2009, she has voted with the majority to eliminate 36 city worker positions.
Her four-year record, and her mayoral term, have earned her both fans and critics.
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