After a relatively quiet summer, the race for three seats on the Healdsburg City Council is picking up speed. Two candidate forums are scheduled for the next week, including a League of Women Voters online event on Wednesday night, and on the following Tuesday, a live-only event presented by the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce. Unfortunately there is no broadcast or recording planned for this forum; it will begin at 5:30pm on Oct. 1 at Coyote Sonoma, 44 Mill St.
There are five candidates in the race, and with three incumbents running to return to their seats it means the other two can safely be termed “challengers.” There’s a slight difference, however, between the incumbents: While David Hagele and Ariel Kelley are looking to renew their four-year contracts with the city, Ron Edwards has been a councilman for only two years, having been elected in 2022 to fill a seat vacated by resignation. He now seeks a full four-year term.
The other two candidates are Linda Cade, who also ran in 2022 but failed to reach a winning threshold, and Heather Hannan-Kramer, a newcomer to Healdsburg politics.
All of the candidates have campaign websites; some have been knocking on doors, and their signs are becoming widespread through the city. Rather than delve into the many issues Healdsburg faces, we thought it simpler to introduce the candidates simply by asking them: “What do you like most about Healdsburg? What’s your favorite aspect of living here? What do you think Healdsburg has of value?” In other words, why do they live here in Healdsburg?
The question went out to them on Friday, asking for a 100-word response. Answers are listed in the order received.
Linda Cade: I love Healdsburg because it’s where all of my grandparents lived. The people who live here are kind and caring. I love the river and want to bring back recreational swimming at Memorial Beach; the un-kept wading pond it’s become is disgraceful.
When my mom was young she enjoyed roller skating on Fitch Mountain. When I was a girl, I learned to bowl at the bowling alley downtown, and enjoyed the fruits and veggies of my dad’s and grandpa’s labors. Sports and fitness has always thrived here and if elected, I will advocate for more diverse activities for our youth. www.facebook.com/CadeforCouncil2024
Ariel Kelley: Healdsburg is home. It’s where Tim and I are raising our kids, where they play Little League, listen to music in the plaza and attend vibrant art and cultural events like Dia de Los Muertos and Healdsburg Jazz Festival. I appreciate the connections amongst neighbors, the ways we show up for one another in times of need, and the ways we honor our agricultural roots and our heritage. www.arielkelley.com
Ron Edwards: Since my arrival in Healdsburg in 1993, a city I now proudly call home, I’ve been captivated by its unique charm. It’s a Big Little City, a title it has held not just recently but historically as a supply hub. During this campaign, I can go weeks without having to leave town, thanks to our diverse range of stores and services, from dollar stores to high-end.
Healdsburg, a thriving entrepreneurial hub, welcomed me with open arms when I arrived. The small business owners I met were not just acquaintances, but a supportive community, for which I am forever grateful. www.ronedwardshealdsburg.com
Heather Hannan-Kramer: The feeling of shared values around our locally owned businesses, a strong integrity in helping our neighbors and a true love of our natural surroundings defines generations of Healdsburg residents. This magical intersection of arts, agriculture, economic diversity and environmental stewardship is what inspires families (like mine) to revisit generational roots and settle down here.
Protecting the very essence of historical Healdsburg while raising the children of the future to flourish in our community is what makes this city so special. We must continue to cultivate and preserve the fabric of what makes Healdsburg a shining star in Sonoma County. www.heatherforhealdsburg.com
David Hagele: I love that our Healdsburg date nights became play dates with the kids at the parks … soccer and T-ball grew into Little League, volleyball and 4H. I love that our once-little Live Oak preschoolers will soon be Greyhounds! I love our Healdsburg summers, filled with Prune Packer games, 4th of July, floating down the river, Tuesdays on the Plaza and pretzel croissants. I love the cozy season in Healdsburg, spending Thanksgiving morning with 3,000 friends at the Turkey Trot and soaking up the holiday vibes with our neighbors at Merry Healdsburg. I love that Healdsburg is home. www.votehagele.com
Candidate Forums
Sept. 25: League of Women Voters will webcast a live Zoom candidates meeting at 6:30pm at us06web.zoom.us/j/83284338915, replay at youtube.com/@leagueofwomenvoterssonomac9305.
Oct. 1: The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Candidates’ Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 1, with all five candidates. It’s at Coyote Sonoma from 5:30-8pm. This is a live, in-person event with no broadcast or Zoom. 44F Mill St., doors open at 4pm.
Were you able to go? Leave a comment below with your reaction…
