Letters 11-3-16

Your choice
Editor: Measure M is a local proposition placed on the ballot through collection of over 24,000 local signatures. Why is it then, that the opposition is funded by giant, multi-national, agrichemical corporations: Monsanto, Dow, BASF, DuPont, Syngenta and Bayer? The answer, of course is that, since Measure M prohibits growing and raising genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) in Sonoma County, the opposition is funded by the companies that make GMO seeds and the herbicides they require. Why did over 24,000 citizens express concern about allowing GMO crops in Sonoma County? The answer is that GMO pollen can contaminate neighboring conventional and organic crops and GMO crops are associated with increased use of herbicides such as Round-up containing glyphosate, which has been classified by the World Health Organization as a probable carcinogen. Measure M is endorsed by eight Sonoma County newspapers, and funded by citizens, farmers, vintners, businesses and environmental organizations. Don’t be fooled by Farm Bureau presentations, op-ed pieces and quotes in the voter pamphlet by scientists affiliated with giant agrichemical corporations. The opposition’s writings are filled with misinformation that is meant to confuse voters. Don’t allow big agrichemical companies to control Sonoma County farming by contaminating local family farms and pastures. “Vote Yes On Measure M” to keep genetically engineered crops out.
Pam Gentry, Sebastopol
Elected
Editor: I recently received a mailer that says “Re-elect Bruce Okrepkie to Windsor Town Council.” I did not recall seeing Bruce Okrepkie’s name on any previous ballot. I went researched and found that Bruce Okrepkie became the Mayor of Windsor and a Town Council member without ever having been elected. Okrepkie and Deb Fudge were appointed to the Windsor Town Council in 2012 rather than elected. Fudge and Okrepkie said they’d run for two available seats on the Town Council in 2012, so the Town did not hold an election. It’s curious that both Okrepkie and Fudge became the Town of Windsor’s Lytton Subcommittee, representing the Town and its residents, when neither one was actually elected in 2012. On their mailers, both Fudge and Okrepkie claim they are preserving small town character, yet they approved 387 apartments next to Oliver’s, and are considering 360 more nearby. Seven hundred and fifty apartments by the Town Green does not sound like it will preserve Windsor’s small town character. We need some fresh faces on the Windsor Town Council. I’m voting for Mike Wall and Rosa Reynoza.
Alan Morris, Windsor
Council voice
Editor: The preservation of small town character and open space are themes each candidate for the Windsor Town Council has recognized as important to you the voters in this coming election. What makes small town character and if you have it, how do you keep it, is a question that to many voters remains a mystery. Does your definition of open space include agricultural lands such as vineyards and orchards? From surveys and public input at Windsor’s General Plan meetings, saving areas of open space and agricultural lands were stated as the most important values to Windsor participants. Preservation of these lands both inside and outside the Town boundaries was a value Windsor held dear to its heart.
It is because I share these values with you that I am supporting and voting for Mike Wall for the Windsor Council. I believe he will stand with me and ask the development community not what the Town can do for them, but what their projects can do for the Town. How will their projects help keep our small town character, preserve and honor our natural open spaces and protect our agricultural lands that many of us value and enjoy.
Windsor is creating a new General Plan. The planning process led by the Planning Commission and Town Council appears to be supporting the conversion of 60 acres of what I believe to be prime vineyards on Jenson Lane to housing with the current proposed zoning to allow for upwards to an additional 280 units. While I have heard that preserving a substantial portion of the vineyard doesn’t pencil out, what I haven’t heard is why converting this prime agricultural land to housing is necessary.
Windsor currently has approximately 850 housing units approved or in the pipeline with another 150 to 300 homes being considered by the Lytton Tribe. The housing development potential in the core areas of Windsor including the Shiloh Road and Arata Lane interchange areas easily meet our regional housing need assessments. I am asking you as a voter to stand with me in supporting and voting for Mike Wall. I believe he will hear the same type of refrain and concern that I hear from you; that you want real growth management, not just lip service and you want a Council that is serious in preserving our small town character, open space and our agricultural heritage.
Sam Salmon, Windsor
New faces
The Town of Windsor needs some new leadership. One of the two incumbents who are running for election has been on the Council for 20 years, and there are others on the present Council who also have served many, many years. They need to be replaced. Major decisions about Windsor’s growth, the commitment to preserve Open Spaces and protect the environment, the housing needs of the community are among the top issues now pending on the Council.
Rosa Reynoza and Mike Wall are two candidates for the election this year who can address these issues with new perspectives and new solutions. Rosa will represent the Latino community which includes over 30 percent of the citizens. There has never been a Latino representative on the Council, and Windsor has very few Latinos in its Town staff and personnel. Mike is a young family man with children who will be educated through the excellent Windsor schools. His personal experiences will bring the voices of family and children to the Council.
Please vote for Rosa Reynoza and Mike Wall for Windsor Town Council. Support new leadership for Windsor.
Diane Tomczak, Windsor
Yes on Measure F
I am senior at Windsor High School, who has gotten a great education in our Windsor schools. We have outstanding teachers and principals who are dedicated to inspiring creativity and providing the best education for all students. But uncertain state funding puts every child at risk of losing important educational opportunities. By passing our Windsor school facilities bond, Measure F, we can make sure our students continue to receive the best education we can provide for them. All of the funds from Measure F will directly benefit our local elementary, middle and high school students. None of the funds can go to administrators or salaries. Measure F is an investment in our schools, our students and the future of our community. Please Vote Yes on Measure F on Nov. 8.
Natal Turrini, Windsor