Don’t sign leaf blower petition

After listening to people who opposed a ban on leaf blowers, the Sonoma Neighbors Against Leaf Blowers (SNALB) proposed a compromise to the Sonoma City Council, basically suggesting that they prohibit only gas-powered leaf blowers and allow electric ones. Three members of the city council determined that the compromise was reasonable. It is worth noting that the Sonoma Valley School Board voted to prohibit gas-powered leaf blowers a few months prior to the Sonoma City Council decision.

However, not content with a decision that has taken several years and three city councils to agree on, a small group of disgruntled residents (who, for the most part, do not even live in the city of Sonoma!) are circulating a petition to overturn this ordinance by demanding a ballot measure for the November election. I urge Sonoma residents to NOT sign the petition that would resurrect the leaf blower debate for six more months or, more likely, several more years. The profits of a few landscapers and/or the convenience of a handful of people is not worth sacrificing the health of our residents and visitors. This especially applies to children, the elderly, and those with asthma, allergies, and compromised immune systems.

Our council stepped up to the plate and made the right decision — to prohibit emission-spewing, gas-powered leaf blowers — a decision that has been made by more than 25 city councils in California. If you have already signed the petition and would like your named removed, please send that request to City Clerk, Sonoma City Hall, Sonoma 95476.

Georgia Kelly, Sonoma