Courteous candidates begin to show differences

The gloves did not come off Tuesday night as the seven candidates for the Sonoma City Council agreed on nearly everything. Even David Cook, a self-described “cat guy,” joined the others in stating he would open the Overland Trail to leashed dogs.

In a forum at the Sonoma Community Center, the candidates identified the issues of water, economic development and preserving Sonoma’s quality of life as top priorities.

Affordable housing and fiscal responsibility were also high on the list.
The request “to name one decision the council has made that you disagree with” revealed some personality. “Canceling the 2008 election,” said Mayor Steve Barbose. In hindsight, he said, his vote to save the city money was incorrect. “I made a mistake on that.”

Fred Martin, Tom Rouse, David Cook and Ken Brown also cited the canceled election. Additionally, Brown took exception to the vote to ban religious icons on the Plaza, while Rouse wondered “why the council spent so much time on the Farmer’s Market issue?”

Mike Gillaspie disagreed with the council decision to dip into a city contingency fund to balance the budget, while Toni Castrone questioned the need for the council to request proposals to manage the 2011 farmers market.
On the subject of marijuana dispensaries within city limits, all the candidates except Brown said they were against the idea.

Moderator August Sebastiani’s call for the panelists to name “one specific achievable goal for your first or next term” generated different opinions.
Castrone said she would create a sense of cohesive communication on the council, as “five separate minds and opinions, but one body moving forward.” Barbose named as his goal the construction of affordable housing developments “that are now in the pipeline.”

Rouse would look to increase outreach to local business owners, landlords and real estate agents to help fill empty storefronts. Gillaspie said his goal would be boosting city revenue through business growth.

Cook said his aim was serving the area youth and he would push for a community swimming pool. A sound water strategy, including increased conservation measures, was Brown’s response. “We’re at the end of a long, leaky pipe,” he said.
Martin said his goal would be to maintain a balanced budget without accessing contingency funds. He also called for a two-term limit, and would strip council members of their pay and expense accounts ($700 per month, total) and medical coverage.

The candidates

Steve Barbose Age: 61.
Occupation: Attorney/Mediator, incumbent

Ken Brown Age: 63.
Occupation: Radio Host and Producer,
incumbent

David Cook Age: 44.
Occupation: Business Owner

Mike Gillaspie Age: 42.
Occupation: Human Resources Manager

Antoinette Castrone Age: 32.
Occupation: Program manager,
Sonoma Community Center

Fred Martin Age: 63.
Occupation: Retired Businessman

Thomas Rouse Age: 50.
Occupation: Sales Executive