On the Nov. 6 ballot, there will be six candidates vying for three spots on the Cloverdale City Council. The city council election comes around every other year and is on a rotating election schedule (of the five council spots, two were elected during the last city council election and three are being elected this year); during the 2016 election, Councilmembers Melanie Bagby and Mary Ann Brigham were voted into office.
Mayor Joe Palla and Vice Mayor Carol Russell are not running for re-election this year and Gus Wolter is the only incumbent running. The other candidates are Shawn Bovee, Marta Cruz, Jon Lambert, Jason Turner and Michelle Penirian Winterbottom. The Reveille sent five questions to each candidate; their answers are listed below. Bovee declined to comment. Comments have been edited for length and clarity.
Marta Cruz
Should you be elected, how do you plan to stay engaged with the Cloverdale community?
Communication with all residents is essential. I am approachable, accessible and available to meet in person, via phone or email. I will continue to volunteer in all service organization events, and work on building an environment of open civic dialogue and collaboration.
I will continue to be a paying member of Cloverdale organizations such as the history center, performing arts center and Cloverdale Arts Alliance, amongst others. I will continue to volunteer and support events organized by the Rotary and Lions clubs, American Legion, Cloverdale PTA and others. I will continue to go to the movies, the plays and performances at CPAC, worship, shop and dine in Cloverdale. I will enjoy and protect open spaces and the river walk.
Current city councilmembers serve on a handful of other boards across the county. Do you plan on representing the community on a similar scale? If so, how?
I plan to be involved in variety of boards and participate in meetings and seminars. My areas of interest are: environmental protection and preservation of resources; funding and planning; affordable housing and homelessness; libraries and education; regional transportation; social and health services for Cloverdale; open spaces and parks. There are many boards and commissions that address these and many other issues.
I plan to keep up with changes and new ventures in the region, the state and at the national level and ongoing federal, state, county and municipal policy.
What do you think makes you a good fit for Cloverdale City Council?
I have the energy and creative thinking needed to work in collaboration with other councilmembers. I value and respect the desire of Cloverdelians to preserve the “small town feeling” and open spaces while undergoing inevitable growth and development. I also bring additional diversity to relate to and represent all citizens of Cloverdale.
I am resourceful and have nourished long-lasting relationships with organizations and individuals that could be an asset to problem solving in Cloverdale. I am concerned about the young adults in our workforce and will work to support their personal development as an essential part of our economy.
I will work on crafting policy to support keeping and developing potential small/medium-size businesses. Cloverdale residents spend too much money in other areas and school districts. I come as an educator, I plan to have a closer relationship with the school board to enhance educational opportunities and programs.
I can contribute to the environmental protection of Cloverdale by emphasizing water conservation measures such as low flow toilets and water-wise landscaping.
What is one thing that Cloverdalians may not know about you?
I have experience in farming and reforestation. I was a coffee grower and plantation administrator for seven years in Yauco, Puerto Rico. I promoted fair employment and training practices, as well as an environment of biodiversity for shade coffee and cultivation protecting against erosion. I earned recognition by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources. I reforested a 10-acre mountainous parcel with native species in Puerto Rico. It served as a public relations tool to inspire the community to organize and improve soil conservation as well.
I am the daughter of a Korean War veteran who has suffered of PTSD throughout his life. I have joined my father in advocating for veterans to receive services nearby to their communities.
Is there anything else you believe our readers should know about you or your platform?
I believe every human being has the potential to contribute to society in unique ways. I am an eternal student. Learning is essential to become a better human being every day.
I have been instrumental in developing and supporting cultural programs, community centers and educational programs. I have been a team player in promoting programs for youth. I have earned community recognition in Santa Barbara for helping to bring about improvements for the underserved — “safe places to sleep” for the homeless. I have served as grassroots-donations coordinator for fires and hurricane relief programs, serving victims in Sonoma, Healdsburg, Cloverdale and Puerto Rico.
Jon Lambert
Should you be elected, how do you plan to stay engaged with the Cloverdale community?
I will be highly visible around town by attending local events, maintaining an open dialog with the schools, working with local organizations like the Lions and Rotary clubs, Citrus Fair, Kiwanis and the Druids. I will engage with the chamber of commerce frequently about ideas for helping to make Cloverdale an attractive destination. I will do my best to maintain an open door policy for people to meet with me personally to discuss concerns.
Current city councilmembers serve on a handful of other boards across the county. Do you plan on representing the community on a similar scale? If so, how?
I would love the opportunity to serve on boards at all levels — regional, state and federal. I would really like to be involved with the SMART train project. Increasing the visibility of Cloverdale by serving as a representative on boards is vital to help expand our future opportunities.
What do you think makes you a good fit for Cloverdale City Council?
I think I am a good fit as a future councilmember for several reasons. I have been a resident of Cloverdale for over 10 years. I have a rich tapestry of work experience and education. I have a strong “git ‘er done” work ethic. I have a proven track record of helping out where I can to make the world a better place. I make it my priority to think outside the box and strive to put the needs of the community first.
What is one thing that Cloverdalians may not know about you?
I was very active in scouting programs. I was a Cub Scout and a Webelo. I became a Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. I would like to see scouting programs be a stronger part of the community of Cloverdale.
Is there anything else you believe our readers should know about you or your platform?
I am hosting a meet the candidates and thank you party at La Hacienda Restaurant on Monday, Oct. 15 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Come down and enjoy some music, food and get to know your local business owners and future council members. Thanks for the opportunity to serve Cloverdale and I look forward to seeing you there.
Jason Turner
Should you be elected, how do you plan to stay engaged with the Cloverdale community?
I have some ideas for utilizing social media, but it tends to reach the same audience. I’m hoping Cloverdale will help me at times identify the best way in which to hear their concerns and (get) feedback for different topics. I’d like to continue to have open house-style functions to give people face to face time and continue to participate in as many city functions/events as I can to remain accessible and approachable.
Current city councilmembers serve on a handful of other boards across the county. Do you plan on representing the community on a similar scale? If so, how?
I plan to continue attending as many city/county meetings and workshops as I can. If elected I’m interested in participating on the Planning and Community Development subcommittee as well as the Finance, Administration and Police subcommittee.
What do you think makes you a good fit for Cloverdale City Council?
I’ve been gaining experience during my time as a planning commissioner for the City of Cloverdale and I believe I am ready to take the next step onto the city council. I’ve worked hard to try and show the community that I am a candidate who will listen and remain open to the innovative thinking that will continue to allow us economic progress, while we maintain the foundational sense of cooperation that we’ve come to celebrate as a city.
What is one thing that Cloverdalians may not know about you?
In 2003 my dad’s company transferred him to England and I lived and went to school there for a year. The experience of assimilating into a new culture provided me a point of view as a teenager that I’ve carried into adulthood. We all have slightly different priorities and points of view on the many different facets of life, but regardless of how far we venture from our doorstep, people are striving to achieve happiness and better the community around them. I want to bring that to my approach as a city councilmember.
Is there anything else you believe our readers should know about you or your platform?
I’ve done my best to be as clear and transparent with my platform through the different talks and publications my campaign has been involved in. One, I felt was very well written in an earlier issue of the Reveille. With all that said, I know it’s hard to cover all the specific issues that our community and readership of the Reveille are passionate about and I hope I’ve encouraged a sense that anyone who has questions is welcome to reach out. My email is ja********@gm***.com.
Michelle Penirian Winterbottom
Should you be elected, how do you plan to stay engaged with the Cloverdale community?
My objective is to have an open and transparent city government. One that invites and welcomes all to be heard and one that has the respect of any ideas or concerns of all citizens. I am engaged within the community and have served the community in various capacities for over 30 years. I understand that there are many aspects to our community and I will do my best to serve the entire community.
Current city councilmembers serve on a handful of other boards across the county. Do you plan on representing the community on a similar scale? If so, how?
I believe that our (city) council should be involved in those committees and commissions that impact our community — that keeps our city on the map in the county and region.
The League of California Cities discusses the changes of laws that impact all of us, both regionally and locally, and we must ensure that we are involved in that organization either through the city management or councilmembers, to ensure we are informed of current regulation changes.
Joint committees with the school and fire district are important to continue so that communication of what policies and ordinances that may impact our partners are discussed openly. While I believe that all committee meetings are important, these meeting must be open and transparent to all of us.
What do you think makes you a good fit for Cloverdale City Council?
While working for the city, cuts were made that impacted both the city staff and the community, which eliminated the ability for the staff to serve prospective businesses and our community as a whole in a timely manner. We must focus on all departments’ staffing within the city, that will enable city staff, public works and all departments have the ability to serve the business and city community to the best of their ability.
What is one thing that Cloverdalians may not know about you?
After a lifetime of spending time with family in Cloverdale, our family moved with my two daughters in 1990, where I served as Cloverdale’s elected city clerk/record manager and election official for 19 years. While in office, I continued my education, receiving the classification of certified city clerk and master municipal clerk, which I continue to maintain. While serving as city clerk, I was very active with the City Clerk’s Association of California as well as the cloverdale community, serving on the board of the Cloverdale Ponytail League.
I volunteered as a youth leader for the First Baptist Church, organized a food share program, worked on the board and volunteered at the Wallace House, and worked with Cloverdale schools and Sonoma County Human Services to bring services to Cloverdale. More recently, I have been working to support Cloverdale’s Feline Rescue program and Cloverdale Performing Arts Center.
My career in government started with councilmembers that served the community, businesses and prospective business, listened to concerns and incorporated those ideas into the city’s policies, laws and goals. I have had the privilege to serve many established members of our community. Without their focus on Cloverdale, we would not have accomplished receipt of grants and land opportunities to build the Cloverdale Plaza, Cloverdale Senior Center, Cloverdale River Park, Cloverdale Performing Arts Center and Cloverdale Historical Society and those organizations that make Cloverdale a community of citizens, creativity and culture.
Is there anything else you believe our readers should know about you or your platform?
Citizen participation is paramount to our city’s success and stability. Having participation and citizen involvement is the foundation of a healthy and prosperous community. We need more of this in Cloverdale. This city faces many challenges and at times these problems seem insurmountable. However, with the help from the community, businesses, clubs and organizations, we have the history to get it done and focus on those issues that impact our community as a whole. We have focused too much time, energy and money in opposition to the goals and need to focus on the solutions to the problems to make our city better for our citizens and businesses.
Gus Wolter
Should you be re-elected, how do you plan to stay engaged with the Cloverdale community?
I will continue to encourage the community to participate in city meetings. The city council always solicits input from the community, that’s why we have a subcommittees — less formal meetings — where you can come and share your concerns. To keep the community engaged we have also started to stream our city council meetings and a few days after the meeting, it is aired in its entirety on YouTube. As the liaison to the planning commission I will continue to encourage community participation in those meetings, as well as all community workshops.
Current city councilmembers serve on a handful of other boards across the county. Do you plan on representing the community on a similar scale? If so, how?
I actually anticipate representing Cloverdale on more regional committees. Serving on the city council for 16 years has provided me the opportunity to help establish a strong working relationship with other agencies in Sonoma County, a relationship that promotes a spirit of collaboration for the benefit of our city. I think it’s important that every councilmember have the opportunity to represent our city, as we need to be at the table when issues are being discussed.
Over the past 12 years both Mayor Palla and Vice Mayor Russell have been very engaged on many regional committees. With their departure from the council we will be left with a big gap in our representation. I anticipate that newly elected councilmembers will be kept very busy on both local and regional levels.
What do you think makes you a good fit for Cloverdale City Council?
My 16 years on the city council provides me with the experience and knowledge of how to get things done. I will continue to work hard to move Cloverdale in the right direction. I understand that I serve at the will of the people and I listen to what they say.
What is one thing that Cloverdalians may not know about you?
Cindy and I have three grown children. Our two daughters live in Pennsylvania and our son lives in Ukiah. Neither Cindy nor I can believe we have a 16-year-old grandson who is now driving.
Is there anything else you believe our readers should know about you or your platform?
Serving the my community has always been important to me. In recognition of my personal contributions and leadership qualities that inspire others, I was awarded the Sonoma County Spirit Award in 2007. That same year I also received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from Governor Schwarzenegger, recognizing my work with SAFE-BIDCO, California’s state loan guarantee program.
I have always been involved in my local community. While living in Philadelphia, I served as the finance director and board member with Interfaith Housing Development Inc, an organization whose mission is to provide housing for low to moderate-income families. Also I’m proud to be endorsed by: the Sonoma County Democratic Party, State Senator Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Jim Wood, District Supervisor James Gore, Sheriff-elect Mark Essick, the current Cloverdale City Council and the Northern California Engineering Contractors Association.
