Show up and win

We know it is true that fewer and fewer people vote these days and just stay home. And we also know that more and more of these same people let their apathy and ignorance ruin their dreams for happier days, healthier children, strong communities or a greater America. That is sad news.
But, for the rest of us who do vote, study the issues, attend meetings and show up there is good news. Too many forfeit their votes, believing politics and government has become fixed and too complicated. But the rest of us keep holding on to the most basic of all democratic truths: the most votes win!
Right now in Sonoma County, this is an important time for showing up. And, we’re talking about much more than just the June 7 Primary Election and the historic General Election next November.
More is at stake than just ballots. All our small communities are facing historical decisions that will change the size, shape and feel of where we call home. A large luxury resort and a gambling casino are proposed to be built in Cloverdale. Healdsburg is facing a series of cross road decisions about housing laws, development of the Nu Forest property and the adjustment to a new five-way roundabout. Windsor wants to expand and enhance its Town Green and maybe build a new municipal center. Sebastopol is about to get serious with its General Plan update and commercial core planning for a hotel and more.
Also, all local schools this month are holding public meetings on their Local Control & Accountability Plans (LCAP) — the open-source document that sets all the priorities for school spending and requires parent and community input. (Show up and win extra money for your favorite students.)
And, then there is the $1.4 billion budget that the county Board of Supervisors are ready to finalize, including $421 million in general funds and at least $80 million in discretionary or reserve funds. Unfortunately, the county budget is not an open-source process like local schools’ budgets. But if enough citizens showed up, more roads would keep getting repaired and more and more attention could force a real solution to runaway pension expenses.
Showing up is not a one-time thing. First you vote and then you don’t go away.
On Oct. 22, 2013 Sonoma County became home to an unfortunate episode of a young man of color (Andy Lopez) being shot and killed by a law enforcement officer. This was before Ferguson, Baltimore, Cleveland, Chicago and dozens of other shootings. Most of those other communities faced violent riots, torched neighborhoods, forced curfews and mass arrests.
We had early protest marches and angry confrontations following the Andy Lopez killing. But government-sponsored forums were quickly convened and law enforcement leaders, elected officials and protesters all showed up.
A 21-member Community and Local Law Enforcement Task Force was formed. Two years’ of public sessions were held and dozens of actions were voted on and approved.  That’s a lot of showing up.
Instead of riots or more police shootings, Sonoma County now has a new Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach, led by Jerry Threet. A new community park in Andy Lopez’ memory is being built in his southwest Santa Rosa community. New community policing training is being held. And more work and dialogue is still taking place.
What if the same game plan was used to address our schools or county budget, road repair shortfalls and pension reform challenges? Can just showing up begin to solve our complex housing problems? Let’s think about going there, because we all know what staying home, staying angry and not voting will get us. Less votes, right?
— Rollie Atkinson