The Sonoma Valley Sun hosted a forum on Wednesday, April 23, questioning the candidates on a variety of topics. Ryan Lely
In their opening statements at the debate on April 23 in the City Hall chambers, incumbent Valerie Brown and challengers Will Pier, Lawrence Wiesner and David Reber addressed water, roads, climate change, crime, health care and access, as well as their own qualifications and their plans for dealing with these issues.
Wiesner said that after a long professional life in the field of accounting, he feels he has expertise to share, and in these days where predictions of climate change are coming true, “we can look at those predictions and plan ahead.” One specific change he would make if elected is to increase his office’s accessibility so people wouldn’t have to drive to Santa Rosa.
Reber, who identified himself as being “of this place,” said, “You have only one issue, and that’s leadership.” He said, “You have to ask yourself if the district is in better shape today than 5 years ago, in terms of deputies on the street, roads, health care, calls returned.” He pledged to return telephone calls within one day, to remember at all times whom he works for, and to respect his constituency.
Pier stood on his environmental record and said, “Working with the Ecology Center with habitat restoration, I have gotten to know people involved in the environmental and social issues. I’ve gotten a sense of the ‘pulse of the people,’” he said, “and people want to see change–here in the North Bay.”
Incumbent Brown spoke of the progress in the Redevelopment Advisory Council. “In six short years, we changed the agenda for the Springs. We are going to see changes!” She spoke of the hard times and the efforts the council has been making to keep programs going. Regarding police, she said, “You solve the problem by working within the community. You talk about it. You enlist the schools, the non-profits, the faith-based organizations. It’s not just putting more police on the streets.” She acknowledged that, “We are doing all the right things, but it still is not enough.”
Answering a series of prepared questions and questions from the audience gave the candidates opportunities to express their commitments, criticisms and hopes for the area. Two in particular – water, and Springs annexation – drew a variety of responses.
Asked about their support for water control measures, Pier said he would favor water conservation. “I would favor incentives for xeriscape landscaping. And as a supervisor, be at the lead for long-term management planning for our water resources. We’re depending on an aquifer that is finite and that’s not going to be in five years what it is today.”
Brown agreed that long term water management was vital and pointed out that as supervisor, she had helped put together the Basin Advisory Group, which she would be honoring for their work towards developing the Groundwater Management, approved late in 2007 and is currently underway. “I think we’re walking our talk and I think we understand what the county needs in terms of water.”
Reber said he was concerned about the aquifers, because there is evidence they are under stress. “I strongly support the Sonoma County Groundwater Management Plan…One of the best parts of that plan is the intent to use recycled water.” However, he does not support rationing, unless it is a drought year. He does not favor enforcement, and does support xeriscape, unless it is mandatory.
Wiesner agreed with Reber that he did not want to see mandatory measures. He agreed with Pier in his understanding of the problems bringing more water in from the Russian River. “I would like us to address all possible elements within water and how to use it.”
On the question of the Springs, Brown said she supported self-government, but “I think the more important issue is whether the City of Sonoma wishes to expand their urban growth boundary. As far as self-government, I have no problem sitting down with any jurisdiction and going over the pros and cons of becoming self-regulated, raising your own revenues and becoming responsible for your own resources.”
Reber said he is opposed to annexation by the City of Sonoma. It has no advantage to the City itself. “Everything we need to create the level of service we deserve by the county is in place. We just don’t have the leadership to do it.” He mentioned various real estate solutions to make the supervisor’s office more efficient and more accessible to the Springs, creating a “de facto City Hall.” He also stressed his intent to bring in more deputies.
Wiesner said he would oppose annexation in that the areas are precious resources and to incorporate would bring in more development. “I would like to see us preserve as much as possible the pristine, winery-type atmosphere we have in the valley.” He mentioned a design he has developed for a transportation system he has for the valley that would make people “a lot happier around Arnold Drive.”
“I would be reluctant to support incorporation of the Springs area,” said Pier. One of the reasons is that the Springs now has a really good program for redevelopment. “So talking about incorporation seems to me to be defeating that program.” He also mentioned the pressure of development. “In terms of annexation of the Springs area by the City of Sonoma, again, that would have to be a decision that the people of the Springs would say ‘yes’ to.”
The election is June 3, with absentee ballots to be mailed May 5. A majority of votes is required, not a mere plurality, and a run-off between the top two candidates will, if needed, be part of the November presidential election. There are almost 54,000 voters presently registered in District 1.
Hear the candidates speak on KSVY Mornings in Sonoma, 8-10 a.m. weekdays. Host Ken Brown interviews David Reber today, May 1. On May 8, he interviews Valerie Brown, and on May 15, Will Pier. Larry Wiesner had not responded to the invitation, at press time.
District 1 Supervisor candidates
Valerie Brown
Age: 62, was appointed in August 2002 and elected in November 2002. Re-elected in March 2004. Previously, she was Sonoma City Council member 1990-92, and State assemblywoman 1992-98.
Web site:
meetvaleriebrown.com
Will Pier
Age: 64, is a teacher and ecologist with Sonoma Ecology Center.
Web site:
willpierforsupervisor.com
David J. Reber
Age: 54, is a builder. He has been a Sonoma Valley Unified School District board member.
Web site:
davereber.com
Lawrence R. Wiesner
Age: 64, is an accountant and three time Republican Party candidate for Congress and once for state Senate.
Web site:
votewiesner.com
