Although Sonoma’s two incoming City Councilmembers won’t be campaigning this year, they’re not shy about expressing their opinions on the city’s future direction.
The council voted 3-2 on Aug. 20 to forego a November general election and appoint sole candidates Laurie Gallian and Joanne Sanders – who is also Sonoma’s current mayor – to the panel’s two open seats. Both women agreed to answer five questions about their political philosophies; their replies have been edited only for space considerations.
1. How do you see the current relationship between the City and the unincorporated areas of Sonoma Valley (i.e., residents and relevant agencies such as water, board of supes, state parks, etc.)? Where do you see that in five years?
Gallian:
I was against the sudden proposed annexation of the Springs brought forth earlier this year. Any such move needs to driven by the Springs residents. … The City’s Urban Growth Boundary exists until 2020 and would need the vote of the City’s residents to change. Despite the Urban Growth Boundary, the city and the unincorporated areas share the resource management issues for a common watershed. The partners working to preserve these rights include the City of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors, and regional authorities all coming together on resource related issues: Surface water allocation and groundwater management; greenhouse gas reduction which will modify transportation and energy policies; improve conservation efficiencies and waste reduction; Joint Power Authorities for delivering services for Fire, Ambulance and Police.
I was a strong advocate for keeping the States Parks open during the State budget crises and I would look forward to cooperation with the local State parks in improving our citizen’s recreational activities.
In 5 years: Ongoing work to meet our county greenhouse gas reduction goals, possibly facing state mandates by then, pursuing options for renewable energy, reduction of vehicle miles traveled through improved transportation options such as better public transportation availability and routes, bike paths, pedestrian walkways, fuel efficient vehicles. Water conservation will be enhanced and give us energy conservation through reduction in delivery energy cost.
Sanders:
As I said earlier this year, Sonoma and the Springs area share more than the same zip code. Although our population is 10,000, there are 35,000 residents relying on Sonoma government for problem solving and leadership.
Today we share police and fire employees and services, ambulance service is provided by the City to the entire Valley, the School and Hospital Districts overlap and the City funds many social and recreational services that serve primarily the unincorporated area. In five years, I see the City and State Parks working together to fix the Blue Wing Inn and get Fourth Street West access to the Montini Open Space preserve; the City working with the Board of Supervisors to adapt the Vets building so it is used more; and the Valley of the Moon Water District and the City partnering more formally to manage our water resources and delivery systems; and finally, I’d like to see the Springs area have more representation in local government.
2. What do you see as Sonoma’s greatest challenge during the next two years? As a councilmember, how will you address this?
Gallian:
Clearly, this last week we have seen a national economic crisis emerge from the shadows. This cannot help but have a trickledown effect on local budgets. As a councilmember during the next two years we will have to remain vigilant to those impacts and respond accordingly.
We need to be mindful that certain government services have a priority. Protection of our citizens through supporting the Police and Fire departments come first, but we also have an obligation to assert policies that give us long term social sustainability. Pursuing economic stability through job creation and a living wage, affordable housing, including rentals, will assist us in maintaining a vital workforce. Economic stability with a focus on people first will act as a foundation of social sustainability. Business benefits from a ready workforce and a well paid workforce will spend at those same businesses.
Sanders:
Crime. By directing our city manager and police chief to explore how other communities are dealing with increased gang violence and making sure they have the funding and Council support to bring creative solutions to Sonoma.
Watch for more Q&A next week.
