Council character in question

The Sonoma City Council has invested many hours defining the town’s character. As the face of the community it is important to note that each actual thought, word, and deed of this elected body is the real litmus test of our character. The April 20th meeting sharply indicated where we are in that process and what lies before us.

The appointment of commissioners was our first personification of this. First, Edwards spoke to deaf ears that he felt left out of the process. Former Member Barnett stated it is a check and balance process that the mayor and another council member come to an agreement and search until BOTH find an agreeable candidate. This is to preclude persons with special interest dictating to the one person who will be placed on these important body’s of governance. Mayor Cook clearly usurped Edwards supporting role and appointed someone he, Cook, alone felt was qualified.

Second, Member Hundley tried to indicate this most recent appointment was rife with disparity. Again on deaf ears. In December, Edwards stepped down from the Planning Commission to be on the Council. He was automatically replaced with the alternate, Cribbs. When two more vacancies occurred in January, both positions were appointed including the new alternate to replace Cribbs. With the fourth vacancy in March, Hundley tried to make the point that the January appointed alternate should have moved up to the Commission as was done in December, and this new appointment should be the new alternate.

The fact this was not done or considered when Hundley spoke up concerns me. So now I will be looking with keen interest to see what projects are presented to the planning commission, if they are in support of the affordable housing crisis, and which way the votes go.

Creating community is vital to the success of our future and a sure way to get there is through cooperation and collaboration that WILL triumph over self interest. It is clear our journey is just beginning. I am confident that as long as the council members understand that thoughts, words, and deeds are what truly define character which ultimately leads to destiny, our destiny will be a great one.

Lynda Corrado, Sonoma