I am proud to be the mayor of Healdsburg. Four years ago my public high school students inspired me to run for my hometown’s city council. My son and daughter, their friends, my neighborhood, community groups and my core values supported me. After a three-week delay, I did, indeed, win the election by 40 votes.
The flooding of December 2014 preceded my swearing-in ceremony on December 15 and the rest is herstory. As the seventh woman to ever serve on the Healdsburg City Council, I embrace the positive changes of these four years.
My core values are the same: How does the policy or budget decision affect the residents of Healdsburg? How does this change improve Healdsburg’s livability? How can we make government more transparent and welcoming for participation?
Civic responsibility is vital in 2018. Bridging the gap and encouraging communication among and between our citizenry and government fuels me as a teacher of secondary language arts and as a member of this town’s council.
This is the first time writing anything to be published in our town’s newspaper since the 2014 election. My purpose for writing is to invite Healdsburg residents to participate more fully, not only by voting in elections, but as we continue to define our town’s future, we need your physical presence at meetings.
This month of August offers numerous opportunities to engage. Your elected city council and city staff continue to discuss and shape our town’s future. The Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT), arrives August 13 and the result of their three-day visit has the potential to help us frame future policies and solutions — to be proactive about sustainability.
Our city-sponsored Community Conversations, August 2, September 20 and October 18, will be held at Summer’s Market, at Plaza Park and Barbieri Park. You are invited — your presence is needed.
Your city council is considering two November ballot measures to benefit our city’s health and economy by increasing workforce housing rentals and to address our homeless population. We have reasons to trust our voters. These past three-and-a-half years reveal that our town cares about preserving our small town character and our economic vitality — and that they are not at odds.
False dichotomies abound when we learn about issues solely through social media posts and single stories or even the way a voter chose to vote on Measure R.
I have faith in our democracy and I remain optimistic. We are blessed in Healdsburg, in Sonoma County, in California, with natural beauty and with a consciousness that we are stewards of the future. This is a call for your involvement.
Brigette Mansell is the mayor of Healdsburg for 2018.
