LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 6-28-12

Re-elect Shaffer
Editor: We cannot think of anyone more deserving of re-election to the Sebastopol City Council than Kathleen Shaffer, a woman who has worked tirelessly for her community for the past four years. Kathleen understands the importance of a balanced budget and the city’s need for increased revenue.
She has successfully led the way to improve her city by encouraging the growth of small businesses, hosting a myriad of city and neighborhood meetings to address citizen concerns regarding local economic stability and the environment beyond Sebastopol boundaries. She has always been open to new ideas and is responsive to the citizens who have elected her. Her efforts to educate, inform and share ideas with community residents is unsurpassed.
In all of our years of public government service, we have yet to meet a candidate, or elected officer, who works harder than Kathleen Shaffer. She deserves to be elected to a second term. Kathleen invites community participation and guidance in her decision making process. She is honest and does her homework on many tough issues which come before the Council. We are fortunate to have councilmember Kathleen Shaffer as an outstanding leader in the city of Sebastopol and West County.
Heidi and Bob Gillen
Sebastopol
 
Serving the community
Editor: With an overwhelming sense of pride and appreciation, I am completing my year as president of the Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise. I appreciate the citizens and businesses of Sonoma County that supported our three popular fundraisers: Cajun/Zydeco Festival, Mardi Gras Casino Night and Guys Can Cook Too. Through your generosity we were able to provide grants to 22 local non-profit organizations and host a Christmas day dinner complete with toys for kids and clothing for those in need. These and other hands-on projects helped improve the quality of life for a wide range of recipients from students to seniors and even animals at the Humane Society. Our international grants supported projects from Africa to Siberia and many in Mexico.
I am incredibly proud to have served during this stellar year of accomplishment. It was all made possible by the dedicated men and women of the club who work selflessly to touch the lives of so many others they may never see or know. Through our actions we strengthen communities and promote world peace.
I’ve lived in Sebastopol for 30 years and as a member of Rotary, especially as president, I’ve made even more connections with civic and business leaders. I feel good to have been able to give back to the community where my wife and I raised our two daughters.
The Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise is a dynamic, vibrant and fun force for community improvement and involvement. Find out more about joining us at www.sebsunriserotary.org. Thank you, Sebastopol.
Jerry Meshulam
President,
Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise