Letters to the Editor 11-15-12

Thanks for support
Editor: On behalf of the members of the K for Kids —Yes on K committee, and the (approximately) 17,000 students who will be impacted by the passage of Measure K over the next eight years, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the residents living in the West Sonoma County Union High School District who supported and passed Measure K. Although the tally shown on the County website shows we obtained 72.3 percent of the vote, we expect that number to go higher before the final figure is stated.  (Absentee ballots have yet to be counted, and typically these improve our situation.) A great result by all measures.
We reaffirm our commitment to ensure that your dollars will be used effectively to maintain and improve programs and services provided by your West County high schools. Your support of education during these very difficult times is very much appreciated. Again, we thank you.
James S. Walton, Ph.D.
Chairman, Yes on K committee
Keller McDonald
Superintendent, WSCUHSD
Get over it
Editor: The 2012 Sebastopol election is over, and the “vocal minority” has spoken. Robert Jacob and John Eder are the apparent winners. Among their challengers was a candidate who exhorted others to work under the radar for the passage of an unpopular project, and a former councilwoman who attempted to disingenuously repaint herself green.
I’m proud I supported Robert and John. They’re a good fit for Sebastopol, and I’m sure they will work vigorously toward making Sebastopol a vibrant, progressive community.
Credit goes to Vice Mayor Michael Kyes and former mayor Sarah Gurney for making the case for Measure Y. Kyes, in an excellent letter, made the case for its passage, and Gurney worked tirelessly walking, talking and encouraging people to vote for it. It passed with over 70 percent.
Much has been made of the fact that Kyes and Gurney publicly supported Jacob and Eder. What’s the fuss? Several supervisors did the same thing in this year’s supervisorial election. As long as there’s no statute prohibiting this, they are free to do so. We live in a democracy, an integral part of which is the electoral process. Passionate participation by all is essential for its continued success.
Thomas D. Bonfigli
Sebastopol
Real winners
Editor: Congratulations to Kathleen Shaffer and Kathy Austin for running such honest campaigns, with no negativity and mean spiritedness.
You are the real winners.
Linda Rouse
Sebastopol
Off of the couch
Editor: I must admit, it took the CVS debacle to get me off my couch and attend City Council meetings in Sebastopol. If I have walked away with one revelation from the last two years, it’s witnessing the thoughtful, analytical approach of Councilmember Sarah Gurney in dealing with this controversial issue. I would leave each meeting and feel quite proud that this elected official was in Sebastopol’s corner. Because regardless of whose side she represented, one would have no doubt that hers was the way to deliberate over matters concerning the future of any town. She would scratch the surface to a point where other council members were uncomfortable: A relentless search for the facts that demonstrated a severe case of backbone. When she didn’t understand something, she made sure it was crystal clear before surrendering the microphone. And always, every time she voted, I left with a gut feeling that her vote was for the community to which she serves; 100 percent. Compared to the cold silence I’ve witnessed from some of the other members on the council, it makes me feel that much better about living in Sebastopol. Thank you, Sarah Glade Gurney, for serving the community we love.
Bill Shortridge
Sebastopol
C’mon, editor
Editor: Come on Sonoma West Times & News.
Come on Editor David Abbott.
“Blood Sport” as a caption title for the election day photos?
Cie Cary
Sebastopol
Donation clarification
Editor: Opponents of several North Bay Association of REALTORS (NorBAR) supported candidates have misrepresented our campaign contributions as being from a malicious out of area interest. The candidates being criticized include John Sawyer, Kathy Austin, and Kathleen Shaffer. The claim has arisen because our state association provides the accounting and legal compliance out of their Los Angeles office. However, all funds NorBAR uses to support candidates are generated from our nearly 3,000 members here in the North Bay. Many candidates sought our endorsement, but after a rigorous interview process conducted by our local members, our association endorsed the candidates who would best protect the interests of current and prospective homeowners. We must also note that NorBAR does not support any development projects, contrary to the innuendo. We want the members of the public to know that all funding from NorBAR is locally generated and has supported dozens of candidates, including Noreen Evans and Shirlee Zane. Any information that states otherwise is deceptive advertising by candidates that we have chosen not to support — such as Susan Gorin — because they will not best represent our communities.
Julie Dempsey
President, NorBAR
Election involvement
Editor: The following is a letter to Councilmember Sarah Gurney:
Dear Sarah,
I am again dismayed at your memory loss relative to what you’ve said or written in recent comments published in a free, monthly Sonoma County publication. I had originally thought you were referring to the Pellini children, Michael and Angela, but you were speaking about Pete and Pauline. That was really appalling, as you seem to have forgotten all that the Pellinis have done for this town, through the 100-plus years they’ve been here. To think that they have no interest in what happens to their town and to paint them in such a light was irresponsible and dishonest. Opinions of all kinds are appreciated, but they must be based on fact and truth and neither of these appear in your comments.
Then you go on further to say that Kathleen Shaffer and Kathy Austin received contributions from the Pellinis and big developers. Neither one of them received any money from either of these two groups and to blame an L.A.-based real estate company is also not true.
The candidates did better than their supporters as you and Michael Kyes spread the rumors about Kathleen and Kathy, which certainly helped to defeat them, at least for the time being. Just remember, all things change and that change is the only constant.
So, Sarah, congratulations on yours and Michael’s victory to get Kathleen Shaffer off the council and not allow Kathy Austin on. You and Helen Shane can go enjoy that glass of wine after the next council meeting. You were victorious, sadly for many of us.
Nancy Aita
Sebastopol