Candidates will interact in Sun’s televised debate
The Sonoma Sun will sponsor a City Council Candidates Debate on Sunday night, October 17, at the Community Meeting Room. The event will be broadcast live from the actual council chambers from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Sun TV Channel 27.
The event promises to be livelier and more in depth than previous forums, as candidates will be provided time to question and rebut one another. Bill Hammett will moderate the debate.
“The idea is to get the candidates interacting,” said The Sun’s Jody Purdom. “We’re after specific ideas and solutions, not generalities.”
The public is invited to attend the free event at 177 First St. W. Sun TV will rebroadcast the debate next week. For schedule visit sonomasuntv.com
Steve Barbose
Age: 61
Occupation: Attorney/Mediator, incumbent
I have served on the City Council since 2006 and as Mayor this year. I have served on the Sonoma Planning Commission, and as a board member of the Sonoma Ecology Center and Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. I am an experienced consensus builder, prepared to tackle tough questions and have the courage to give tough answers.
Our council needs to listen to constituents as well as advisors and to preserve the traditions and qualities that make Sonoma special, while at the same time embracing new ideas when the time is right. We must protect our environment, promote our local economy, and stay financially viable.
By forging partnerships between government, business, and the local non-profits, we can maximize our effectiveness and minimize divisiveness.
As a lifelong Sonoman, I want a town of the future with the qualities of the past.
I have a broad base of community support, including environmental, education, and business leaders.
Ken Brown
Age: 63
Occupation: Radio Host and Producer, incumbent
I have worked successfully in building Sonoma’s financial security. Sonoma is a prudent island in California’s sea of red tape and bureaucratic bungling.
I will continue to encourage economic, social and cultural diversity. I sit on the CDA Loan Committee, enabling Sonoma to help businesses financially. I personally support Shop Sonoma. I’ve worked to implement effective traffic, bicycle and pedestrian plans, and consistently for seniors living in mobile homes to guarantee affordable housing.
Customer service and responsiveness to constituents is paramount. Increased recreational opportunities for our community’s children are a high priority. As a father, grandfather and Sonoma Mentor, I’m dedicated to the highest quality of public safety.
I’m committed to Sonoma, serving as Mayor in 2001 and 2009, and a council member since 1998. I am a member VFW Post 1943 and American Legion Post 489. I’m also a supporter of SV Hospital and the acquisition of open space.
Sonoma’s future depends upon experienced, responsible, dedicated leaders.
Antoinette Castrone
Age: 32
Occupation: Program Manager, Sonoma Community Center
I chose Sonoma as my home a decade ago, and have done what it takes to sink deep roots here. As program manager at Sonoma Community Center, I work hard to connect those in need with those who have much to offer. I have formed strong alliances with business, civic and philanthropic leaders.
While earning an anthropology degree at Sonoma State University, I learned to respect the ability of humans to create strong, intricate support systems. I bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to any discussion.
Sonoma is the sum of all its parts – vintners and dairymen, teens and retirees, hospitality workers, newcomers and longtime residents. I will represent them all while learning to see my hometown through their eyes.
I am an independent thinker who makes measured judgments. I am not beholden to any major constituency or political philosophy. Public servants must be intelligent, thoughtful, and able to communicate with community members and take their concerns seriously.
David Cook
Age: 44
Occupation: Business Owner
The council is responsible for making the right decisions for its residents. These decisions are based on listening to their concerns and their needs to live in a safe and viable community. Our elected leaders need to be well informed and well connected to the community. My experience as a business owner and community leader will be essential in this process.
I will keep the small hometown feel of Sonoma while keeping pace with its growing needs to be sustainable and respectful of our environment. I look forward to the challenge to serve the community.
As a Board of Director of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, I have seen the need to promote our local business community. As a council member I will continue the balance between providing a great business community and maintaining our great way of life.
I am proud to live and work in Sonoma and look forward to being part of its continuing success.
Mike Gillaspie
Age: 42
Occupation: Human Resources Manager
I will be progressive, and find new and innovative ways to resolve the challenges, such as fiscal restraint and balancing the budget, cost-effective delivery of city services, water conservation, affordable housing, property rights, small business development and public safety.
Sonoma is my home: I want to participate in decisions that will influence and benefit our quality of life. We have a four-year-old daughter, and the community in will influence the type of person she becomes.
I want to maintain our quality of life: I want to help us maintain our city’s unique blend of natural beauty, history, culture and diversity.
I can solve complex problems: Sonoma depends upon leaders who have the ability to understand the often complex public policy issues that face our city. I have degrees in Political Science and Public Relations from Pepperdine University and a law degree from the University of San Diego. I’ve managed HR operations involving thousands of employees and multi-million dollar budgets.
Fred Martin
Age: 63
Occupation: Retired Businessman
I believe the residents of Sonoma need someone with new ideas that will create an opportunity to choose between the status quo and a new voice. Previous elections have had few if any citizens running for this important position.
I believe my business career spanning over 40 years has given me a keen insight into the potential economic problems facing Sonoma. We need to start doing something now. I have an extensive background in finance, formulating and implementing budgets, and developing strong relationships between employees. Teamwork between citizens and local government is essential to meet the future needs of Sonoma.
My goals would be to maintain and improve Sonoma’s infrastructure, support our local business community and provide an opportunity for our citizens to enjoy the diversification and uniqueness of our small town character.
As a retired businessman I have the time, energy and dedication to give something back to this wonderful community.
Thomas Rouse
Age: 50
Occupation: Sales Executive
My career success, building and launching businesses and products, is due in large part to my ability to make tough but fair decisions about growth, budgets, demographics, and people.
Seventeen wonderful years of living, working and volunteering in the most beautiful place on earth have only deepened my commitment to serve Sonoma. In this inspiring place where opinions are welcomed and diversity is celebrated, finding common ground, thinking creatively and building consensus is key to sustaining and strengthening our community.
Balanced budgets: we’re all belt tightening and our local government shouldn’t be an exception; we need to be diligent, creative and just plain smarter about spending.
Planning for responsible growth by balancing limited resources with opportunities is essential for sustaining our small town.
On economic development, we need to support local businesses that make our quality of life possible; empty storefronts don’t serve anyone. Let’s partner on innovative solutions that benefit residents, the environment and small business.
