Letters to the Editor 11-3-16

Pastoral letter
Editor: The following letter will be read to the people of our congregations this Sunday. We share with you as a way to include all people who seek the thriving of our local, national and global communities.
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This week’s election will be a significant moment in the life of our country and our local community. As we vote, we give thanks to God who has given us the tremendous opportunity to live in a democracy where all citizens may vote their conscience freely.
Even so, this has been a difficult election cycle. Given the unprecedented discourse that has surrounded this season, Tuesday will be a tense day as our local and national communities come to terms with the outcomes of our democratic process.
Within each of our congregations, and the Healdsburg community at large, there is a healthy diversity of opinion on what is best for our community and country. While we may not agree on every issue or candidate, we can agree that across political, denominational, and theological lines, we are all people beloved by God. We share together in Jesus Christ’s love as people created, redeemed and sustained by God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We understand that as important as our citizenship is here on earth, our primary identity is as citizens of the kingdom of God.
Therefore, we urge civility, mutual respect and acceptance toward one another as we vote and as we are informed of election results on Tuesday. In your relationships with one another and with your fellow citizens we urge you to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus and above all to bear with one another in love (Philippians 2:5).
No matter who is elected president or which measure is passed, God is good and reigns over all things. This gives us great hope. As a sign of our hope, we invite all people of goodwill to an Election Day prayer service to be held at noon on November 8th at St. Paul’s Episcopal church in Healdsburg. The church will also be open for personal prayer from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. We encourage all to be in prayer before and after Election Day for the peace and wellbeing of our country.
Rev. Dean Haughton Kladder, Healdsburg Community Church; Rev. Sally Hubbell, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; Rev. Andrea Haughton Kladder, Healdsburg Community Church; Fr. Sean Rogers, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Disturbing attack
Editor: I was extremely disappointed to read Tom Chambers’ letter to the editor, where he spoke negatively about city council candidate Tim Meinken. I have no knowledge of the actions he spoke of, but anyone who has been in business knows you can be sued at any time, for any reason.
What is most disturbing about this situation is this is the first time a sitting council member has personally attacked a candidate for city council. This election has been quite civil up until now. This sort of personal attack is of the same caliber as the personal slurs and negative campaigning that have distinguished this year’s Presidential campaign.
Support or endorse whoever you choose, but degrading comments and innuendo have no place in a Healdsburg council election. The citizens of Healdsburg are not well served by this sort of negativity
W Bob Marker, Healdsburg
Found the money
Editor: In a recent letter Jim Winston suggested readers “follow the money” and see who has contributed to the Yes on Measure R (Healdsburg growth controls) campaign. Check: City Clerk Department/ Campaign Finance Reports on Healdsburg’s website and you will find the yes campaign is funded by large numbers of donors from a broad spectrum of the community. Then check the “No on R” contributions: $29,500 out of $33,415 (as of Oct 11) came from one man: Jim Winston, who doesn’t live in the Healdsburg city limits, can’t vote on this measure, but thinks he knows what is best for Healdsburg.
While online check the PD’s Oct 6 endorsement: “… Strong protections against unchecked growth remain in place under Measure R … Healdsburg needs more housing, and it has only a few sites remaining where significant development is possible. The Press Democrat recommends a yes vote on Measure R.” Check the Healdsburg Tribune’s Oct 13 endorsement: “If Healdsburg seeks a future that closely resembles its small town neighborhoods … it needs forward thinking leadership and growth policies that are not based on old confrontations and expired limitations … we recommend (a) Yes vote for Measure R…” Don’t let one person decide our future with his money; vote yes on R.
Mark Gleason, Healdsburg
Back to drawing board
Editor: Community members supporting a No on Measure R vote have been vilified by fellow voters of a different persuasion. “NIMBY,” they accuse. They say we want to “protect” our “investments” and drive up prices, that we “don’t want others to live here.”
At the risk of homogenizing diverse individuals holding a plethora of opinions, No on Measure R supporters in general are those who also support affordable housing, environmental sustainability and responsibility, equal pay, living wages and other policies that support families. We support our local farmers and merchants. We support artists and other creatives. We’re thoughtful and concerned about the future of our children and grandchildren, as well as the future of the Earth and its denizens. Our houses are not investments, they are our homes.
Those who support the measure that would remove our current growth management ordinance often believe Healdsburg can build itself out of the current housing challenge. Some couch it as a simple supply and demand issue, meaning that demand has outstripped our supply and that”we can fix that by building. Unfortunately, supply is unlikely to outstrip demand, and Healdsburg land is finite.
How many residential units do believers think it would take to drive prices down? The upwards to 900 units they envision in the first six years of no GMO? Or would that number need to be in the thousands before there was any significant dip in housing prices? And, if the area southeast of the bridge were rezoned to residential and built out, the carrying capacity of Healdsburg would quickly reach its limit. (Just imagine the bridge traffic in summer with cars from 400 more households near Bailache headed into town.) Then what? Prices would further skyrocket.
I’m in favor of higher density building, homes with smaller footprints and deed-restrictions. However, deed restrictions, in particular, come at a cost, and many buyers are unwilling to shoulder that cost. When two deed restricted condos at Foss Creek Villas didn’t sell because of those deed restrictions, the city allowed owners to convert those affordable units to market rate, and more affordable housing bit the dust. Obviously, affordable housing is a challenge with some sharp edges. Affordable units are apparently moving targets and will continue to be more so under Measure R.
Let’s go back to the drawing board to work on making Healdsburg both more affordable and sustainable. This solution is no solution at all. Please vote no on Measure R.
Ann Carranza, Healdsburg
Supportive community
Editor: Thanks to the incredible support of our community on Saturday, Oct. 8, over 1,400 pounds of tomatoes were transformed by 35 volunteers into 35 cases (420 quarts) of tomato sauce for the families served by the Healdsburg Food Pantry.
A very special thanks to the Soroptimists for their continued sponsorship of Let’s Preserve, to Tim Wilcox and Adrianne Brounstein for their expert leadership throughout the day, and to the many local farms, businesses and organizations whose support made this a community event: Jackson Family Farm, Front Porch Farm, Soda Rock Farm, and the Farm to Pantry gleaners. And a heartfelt thanks to the many individual community members who donated tomatoes and their time and energy to preserving tomatoes, tradition and our community.
Dani Wilcox, Farm to Pantry, Healdsburg
Don’t trust purity
Editor: There are two reasons to vote yes on T. First, ask yourself if you trust the Chinese industrialists to check on the purity of the industrial waste they are packaging (with warnings ) for our fluoride. Secondly, ask yourself if you even want Chinese grown food (deep soil poisoning with lead and other metals) to reach your table? If you have answered no to either or both, then you are with me. Let’s ask for testing of our water supply. Is that so difficult? Our children deserve it. Our grandchildren deserve it. Don’t they? Vote yes on T.
Barbara Wentzel, Healdsburg
Insensitive message
Editor: I want to express my disappointment with those discriminatory signs that the Yes on T recently hung up. I find them insensitive to cultural awareness. With all the fear and hate being thrown around at the national level, I truly believe that no matter how passionately one believes in something one should not use prejudicial rhetoric to drive home a point. There is no reason to discriminate and show prejudice toward another country based upon conjecture.
Sodium fluoride is produced in many countries, including Mexico, South Korea, Japan and Belgium, and all of them, just like the production facilities in China, must meet the same testing standards to be sold in the U.S. To incite fear and distrust based on a possible quality control issue, that deflects attention away from the medical aspect of this measure, is disconcerting. No on T.
Michael Neal DDS, Healdsburg
R promotes diversity
Editor: As a relative newcomer to the area, I have been that undecided voter on Measure R. It seems to me that the No on R folks want to preserve the community of Healdsburg, i.e., a place of socioeconomic diversity where people live and work together. They have seen their Healdsburg disappear over time, replaced by homes and business that are unaffordable to the people who call Healdsburg home.
They believe that the stewards of the community (i.e., city government) have been influenced by moneyed interests and cannot be trusted. To them, the GMO, while imperfect, prevents unfettered growth. They would like to see a revision to the GMO, but offer few specifics and no timeline.
The Yes on R folks seem to understand this dilemma, and also believe that no growth perpetuates the problem. The lessening of restrictions, they believe, will allow for growth in all economic sectors. Although R allows for high-end growth, they believe that opening the market will encourage builders to build homes in all economic categories. I understand this is very simply stated.
I’d like to provide some context. I moved here from Bainbridge Island, Washington, a community with similar growth concerns. My primary motivations for moving there from Marin 25 years ago were affordability and good schools, but over time, Bainbridge housing costs soared. They responded, not with a GMO, but with intentional planning that included a mix of all types of housing for all income levels. They have been innovative with cottage and cluster housing, population density and green construction. There are also horrible McMansions, but Bainbridge Island has been able to hold on to its socioeconomic diversity. It’s not perfect, but I shudder to think of what the island would have become with a GMO like Healdsburg’s.
Finally, I believe our public schools are a measure of the health of our community. Upper income families who live in expensive homes send their kids to private schools. Without growth in all sectors, our schools will suffer. The time it will take for the No on R folks to negotiate a new GMO translates into a loss for our schools. We need to have a diverse student population and teachers who can live and engage in the community where they work. So, while I recognize the risks, I am voting for R.
Barbara Mills, Healdsburg
Sleazy hit piece
Editor: I am a Community Housing Committee Member writing this as an individual in support of Measure R. I knew Measure R would be challenging. Change always is. But I was shocked by Jim Winston’s personal attack on me and other committee members in a recent mailer to all Healdsburg residents. It was a sleazy, hit piece that hurt the reputations and integrity of the nine-member Community Housing Committee.
Yes, this is often commonplace in national politics. An opponent lacks a credible solution, or doesn’t really understand the issues, or issues half-truths to the public, or is losing – so they pivot to attack the persons and reputations of those who are seeking a solution.
Instead they should focus on the merits of the issue. Can this really be Healdsburg?
Our goal was to help solve the housing crisis. We were to find ways to incentivize affordable housing in Healdsburg. We spent 15 months doing this and we came up with viable solutions. For No on R to insinuate we spent our time, as volunteers, out of hidden self-interest is downright insulting.
It would appear that many opponents do not understand nor care how housing markets really work. Nor are they familiar with the realities of building in California. Many just wish to debate ideology for years, and avoid committing to the practical solutions we need now to solve our housing crisis.
I understand not everyone supports the conclusions we came to. That is their right. But to smear our collective, voluntary effort in not a right. It is dirty politics and it is not Healdsburg. Please send a message to No on R. I stand unanimously behind our work and encourage you to vote yes on R.
Bruce Abramson, Healdsburg
Thanks to HDH
Editor: Our family wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the exceptional care and customer service that my dad received (Robert C. Bell) during his two emergency visits to HDH. I want to especially thank Dr. Tim Hockenberry (what a guy); ER nurse on my dad’s admittance to HDH (I didn’t catch her name); nurses Tracey, Debra and Phyllis; CNAs Julio (what a guy), Miguel, William and room sitters Karen and Sepia. My parents came for a visit from Texas on 9/24 thru 10/7. My parents had to stay an additional week because of my dad’s diagnoses. Shortly after they arrived my dad became severely ill. My dad was diagnosed with acute bronchitis, acute bladder retention, high blood pressure and other issues. Our beloved HDH took care of my dad completely and gave our family peace of mind.
John and Luann Ballachey, Healdsburg
The Bell Family, Texas
R will destroy Healdsburg
Editor: We R Healdsburg – who are “We?” The answer to this question is not complicated: Follow the money. 131 people, calling themselves “We R Healdsburg” have publicly endorsed Yes on R. Who are these people? Out of the 131 individuals who endorsed Yes on R, 84 percent (110) come from businesses or professions that stand to profit greatly by eliminating the current Growth Management Ordinance, established in 2000.
Any future decisions on how much and how fast Healdsburg will grow in the coming years will be left to three city council members to decide instead of the registered voters of Healdsburg, who voted in 2000 to limit the growth of Healdsburg. On this list of public We R Healdsburg endorsers you will find real estate agencies, banks and loan companies, developers, builders, architects, building supply businesses and trades, real estate investors, wine industry figures, politicians, chamber of side of our community.
Who is missing from this We R Healdsburg list of endorsers? Teachers in our community, sales people who work in local stores and restaurants, police and fire department personnel, trades people not related to building or tourism and college students with an eye towards the future.
Of those city council members who are running for the first time or for re-election only one out six opposes Measure R – Tim Meinken. The stakes could not be any larger. Do you want runaway growth here of market rate homes that are completely out of reach for low to middle income residents? Do you want housing decisions to be made by only three city council members who may have conflicts of interests or by Healdsburg voters themselves?
The current Growth Management Ordinance enacted in 2000 has worked very well to control undesirable growth. That’s why the We R Healdsburg group wants it to be eliminated. If you don’t want the lovely character of Healdsburg destroyed by R, you must stand firm against the measure now. Healdsburg will be changed forever, and not in a positive way. Vote no on measure R.
Richard Clar, Healdsburg
Yes on R is right choice
Editor: I am a longtime resident of Healdsburg. I have listened and watched as our town debates Measure R. There are good people I know who have made intelligent comments for both sides. But one point seems to be the same. We want to keep Healdsburg diverse. When something is this complex, I like to discuss it with others before making a decision on my own. I admit I often look at those around me and wonder how they are voting. So I studied the list of endorsers for both sides. Over 150 for yes and growing each week.
More than anything Measure R supporters are the diversity we agree we want. Young families who desire to make Healdsburg their home. Seniors I know, who are looking beyond self-interest in order to ensure the next generation has a future here. Long time local business owners I respect for what they have contributed to our community, and desperately need housing for their employees. New business owners who have staked their claim in Healdsburg – and deserve to be able to live here too. Even high school students and recent college graduates who want to ensure Healdsburg can be part of their future.
There are far fewer people who have put their name in print to oppose R. Those who have, are mostly of my generation. There are a few out of town organizations and political action groups, but they are not part of this community, even though they seem to feel they know what is best for us. No on R appears to be more concerned with trying to stop change rather than better managing our future. There is an old saying that two heads are better than one. Perhaps many heads may be better than two. For something as complex as Measure R, I am looking at the many heads that are saying yes. They represent the very diversity our town says it wants.  And this gives me comfort that yes is the right choice. Next Tuesday, I hope you will join me and vote yes on R.
Cassie Call, Healdsburg
Schools need support
Editor: Vote yes on Measure D. Our schools need our support. The amount of funding that is currently provided to our schools is not enough to properly maintain and repair our educational facilities. Roofs are past their useful lives. Plumbing and heating systems are dilapidated and unsafe. We need to repair and modernize our schools so that we can properly educate the young people that are the future of our community and our country. Invest in our future. Invest in Healdsburg. Vote yes on Measure D.
Andy and Susanne Esquivel, Healdsburg
Measure T unclear
Editor: I think Measure T is not clear in its goals. The measure is written to sound like the objection is to a particular product, which does sound pretty scary to me, especially given China’s reputation for melamine in baby formula and lead in toys, etc. If that were the case, then the object should be to stop using that particular product and to push the city council to find a product meeting higher, clearer standards. That goal would satisfy both those who believe fluoridation is a useful tool, and those who wish to protect public safety. However, once Measure T is passed, fluoridation would effectively be halted permanently, since there is no clear route to proving safety of any product, and no indication of to whom it must be proven. I suspect that permanent moratorium is the real goal.
Although I appreciate the intention of the authors of the measure to keep us safe, I think that this measure is flawed. Vote no on T, and start a letter campaign to the city to replace that product immediately if not sooner.
Mary M Johnson, Healdsburg
Support for Beth
Editor: One of the Healdsburg’s greatest accomplishments is our unwavering commitment to community.
Motivating future generations to be active community members starts at the source, and is key in the long-term success of Healdsburg. This year, we are fortunate to see so many community members running to be apart of the HUSD Board. The field is full of qualified candidates, but through our work alongside Cindy Beth, we have seen what she can accomplish. We believe that Cindy will continue to make a positive impact for Healdsburg and are pleased to endorse her as a candidate for the HUSD Governing Board of Trustees.
Cindy Beth has devoted most of her adult life to supporting the students living and learning in Healdsburg. She has shown commitment to our children and works diligently for the betterment of our community. As a third-generation resident and mother of two, she has extensive experience as a local parent volunteer. Altogether, she has worked thousands of hours in support of various committees and organizations. She sincerely deserves our support to continue her effort.
During Cindy’s time as President of Healdsburg Little League, we’ve observed her to be an intelligent, collaborative and highly effective leader. Beth consistently shows an ability to find the root cause of an issue, work through concerns and find realistic solutions. These qualities are sure to benefit our school district and community.
If anyone knows Cindy like we do, words like “tenacious,” “go getter” and “motivator” come to mind. That’s what we believe our School District needs, someone whose served as a rally point for many successful endeavors and will continue to get things done.
We are fortunate that Cindy Beth remains a devoted supporter of our youth, this time as a potential member of the HUSD Governing Board of Trustees.
The Norgrove family, Healdsburg
No on T
Editor: The Board of Directors of the Northern Sonoma County Healthcare District voted on 10/27/16 to encourage a no vote on Measure T. This is consistent with the recommendation of the board when it voted to keep the fluoride in the Healdsburg water supply in 2014.
E.J. Neil, Chairman NSCHD, Healdsburg
Yes on D
Editor: We urge you to step up and vote yes on Measure D. There are very limited options in funding improvements to our local schools. The system has dictated that the only really viable option for improving the facilities of our local schools is by implementing local property tax measures like Measure D. Yes, this is an increase in our property taxes. However, we pay considerably less in school bonds when compared to other parts of Sonoma County, and as a state we are ranked 35th in spending per student.
We have recently seen improvements to our school facilities from the last measure that the citizens of Healdsburg passed. However we are not done. We need to complete the job by passing Measure D. Don’t leave the job the half done. These improvements are necessary to keep local families vested in our public schools as well as attracting high quality faculty. Let us finish the job that we started by passing Measure D. The time for letting the next generation pick up the pieces is long gone.
Ed and Tara Smith, Healdsburg
No position
Editor: The Sonoma County Democratic Party is taking no position on Measure T on the Nov. 8 election ballot. Taking no position means we neither support nor oppose Measure T. We trust the voters of Healdsburg will take the time to study all ramifications of the issue and make the appropriate decision as what is best for their city.
Bleys W. Rose, Chair, Sonoma County Democratic Party
R is a fighting chance
Editor: In the Aug. 10 Edition, Measure R opponent Jim Winston stated this – “The problems I see before us today are unrelated to our GMO, to name a few: traffic, parking, wine tasting bars, resort hotels, tipping point tourism.”
Someone who is losing their apartment due to rent increases is far more worried about having a place to sleep than a place to park. Someone whose paycheck relies on tourism sees tourists as putting bread on their table, not simply a traffic causing annoyance.
Mr. Winston sees the problems he sees because he is secure in his housing and has been retired for 26 years. He has no children in HUSD who find out their teacher or classmates are moving away due to eviction.
Measure R will give the people without housing security a fighting chance to stay and build their lives here. It adds tools to the toolbox of our city council to design a housing solution that works for all. I have spoken to many current and prospective members of the city council and I trust them with the future of Healdsburg, as such we should empower them to find the solutions we need for all, not just those who have housing security but are more worried about a parking spot than someone else’s future.
John Murphy, Healdsburg
D will fund improvements
Editor: My husband and I are raising our three children here in Healdsburg. We have one in second grade and one in Kindergarten at the Healdsburg Charter School. We love HCS. The teachers are excellent, the classrooms reflect the diversity of our town and we take pride in being part of this wonderful community of families.
As housing prices make Healdsburg a challenging place for many people to afford, let’s not neglect the public schools on which so many of us depend. Safe, high quality facilities designed to promote learning, growth, and participation are crucial to Healdsburg’s future.
Measure D would fund a long list of improvements in our schools. At HHS, a state-of-the-art auditorium and Ag Science outdoor learning space top the list of proposed projects. Additionally, necessary updates and new learning spaces for physical education, arts and sciences are planned. If Measure D passes, students get more than better buildings; they get exciting new educational opportunities. I encourage Healdsburg voters to say yes to Measure D.
Rose McAllister, Healdsburg
Spend tourism dollars on housing
Editor: I have rented a small cottage on my property for 20 years and I collect the required TOT tax of 14 percent from my guests. If Measure S is passed, I will be collecting a tax of 16 percent. I’m confused because I don’t read of the TOT being raised to 16 percent anywhere in the brochures promoting Measure S or newspaper articles, etc. describing Measure S. Of the 14 percent TOT I collect, 12 percent is “Transient Occupant Tax” and 2 percent is “Healdsburg Promotion Assessment Tax” which is used to pay for advertising the town, which encourages more tourists.
If our city council believes supporting Measure S will “provide a funding mechanism for one of our community’s more dire needs, affordable housing,” then I propose that the 2 percent Healdsburg Promotion Assessment Tax be redirected toward that goal. Our town needs more affordable housing much more than it needs more tourists.
I realize taking the promotion tax and using it to fund affordable housing might not be possible, but my point is that a lot of locals and even many of us who support ourselves from the tourists have come to believe that Healdsburg has reached a tipping point. The hotels that are in the process of being built and those planned on being built must show that the advertising tax was effective, but lack of tourists is not now our problem. As we all know, affordable housing is our problem and I believe continuing to direct a 2 percent tax toward encouraging continued tourist growth is misdirected.
I believe the 2 percent Promotion Assessment Tax will be up for vote in 2017, so even if Measure S passes, could the city council consider the money both measures bring in be spent on affordable housing?
Marian Murphy, Healdsburg
Followed the money
Editor: In a recent letter to the editor, Jim Winston opposing Measure R (modification of Healdsburg’s growth ordinance) suggested readers “follow the money” and see who has contributed to the “Yes campaign.” As an accountant by trade, I decided to do just that. The information I found is of public record and available on the City of Healdsburg’s website. Yes on R is supported and funded by a number of individuals and organizations, each contributing various amounts of money. I am one of them.
Conversely, as of Oct. 22 $28,500 out of $34,575 “No on R” contributions (over 82 percent) has come from one person; Jim Winston, who is retired, does not live in the city limits and cannot vote on the measure. The $28,500 has been “loaned” to the cause. Will it be forgiven? Or will it be paid by another entity waiting on the sideline with their own agenda? I was raised in Healdsburg, I live in town, I send my kids to school in town and operate a business. I take exception to the dollars that are thrown into today’s political landscape. In fact, it’s disgusting.
That said, the money needs to be followed. During my review I noted that No on R has also spent money with a PAC, paying people to walk the neighborhoods. Conversely, Yes on R has been walked and talked by the very people living, working and supporting our community. Sixteen years ago, I voted yes on the GMO. I was ill informed and misguided. This time I have researched and actively participated. The plan may not be perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction. I read a quote recently, “You cannot make the same mistake twice, the second time it’s a choice.” I am choosing to vote yes on R. Please join me.
William Seppi, Healdsburg
No to anti-fluoride effort
Editor: As someone who worked in the public health arena for many years, I am stunned that Healdsburg residents are being asked to vote on water fluoridation for the second time in two years. The irrationality of much of the anti-fluoride rhetoric was on full display in a couple of recent letters to the editor suggesting a nefarious special interest that is funding the “No on T” campaign.
The special interest identified is none other than the California Dental Association. If the Dental Association were somehow seeking to line the pockets of its members, it’s logical position would be to oppose fluoridation. Instead, the California Dental Association’s position reflects the profession’s commitment to improving public health through preventive practice and dental health education. I hope Healdsburg will once again say no to the anti-fluoride effort and that this issue can be finally put to rest.
Katherine Lacy, Healdsburg
Why more chemicals?
Editor: The No on T mailers say that ingesting fluoride protects everyone – young and old. Why do we need more chemicals in our bodies when studies show that there is virtually no difference in tooth decay in fluoridated areas compared with non-fluoridated areas?
There is more fluoride in the U.S. than the rest of the world combined, yet the rate of tooth decay is the same as 99 percent of the world that does not fluoridate their water. Proof of safety from a toxic chemical should be in everyone’s best interest, especially since fluoridated products are readily available, and are most effective if used topically.
Erika Linn, Healdsburg
Join professionals and reject Measure T
Editor: I find it difficult to believe that the carpetbaggers from Rohnert Park are back attempting to get Healdsburg to reverse the decision we made just two years ago, on fluoridating our water. We voted almost 2-to-1 to keep it the way it is. Healdsburg voters have spoken.
Every dentist I’ve ever had has told me that my tooth problems would be much worse, were it not for the fluoridated water that I was exposed to. Now, as they should be, the Healdsburg dentists are united in their opposition to the terrible idea of removing that fluoride. We shouldn’t have to vote against these Rohnert Park upstarts again, but we apparently do. Please don’t succumb to their dishonest flyers and signs. Please join me and the professionals who know what works, in voting no to help defeat Measure T.
Al Loebel, Healdsburg
Editor’s Note: due to the extraordinary number of letters received this week, we were unable to include all of them in the print edition. Those we could not include are printed below. We encourage you to read and comment on all of your neighbors’ passionate and thoughtful letters.
Don’t be swayed
Editor: Wow, we are now staggering toward the most contentious election I have ever witnessed; the level of sleaze is unparalleled. I’ll be glad when it’s over but am confident the republic will survive. One thing I have noticed is the anti-fluoridation crowd has increased the volume on its scare tactics by employing Trump-like China bashing. They imply that fluoride, because it’s mined in China, is inferior to that mined elsewhere. Add to that the other anti-science claims by the group and they continue to erode their credibility.
A door hanger recently left at my home by these people listed one dentist who endorsed their position. Interestingly, the dentist is from New Zealand. They had to go to the other side of the world to find even one health care professional to support their position. Meanwhile, look at the local dentists in town. Their support is overwhelming. 
In speaking to my dentist and others, they find it almost laughable that this group, pretending to demand transparency continues to cloud the issue with convoluted ballot language, China-bashing and misleading endorsements of their position. But it’s not funny, it’s anti-science scaremongering at it’s worst.
 Fluoridation has been used for generations with proven effects: lower tooth decay. I hope the voters are not swayed by people backing this measure, most of whom don’t even live in Healdsburg.
John Angius, Healdsburg
Recommending Naujokas
Editor: I am writing in support of Joe Naujokas for Healdsburg City Council. Although I am not a resident of Healdsburg, I have had the rare privilege to know Joe as a work colleague and friend for over 15 years. I am also a 27-year resident of West County, spending the last 20 years living in Sebastopol. I’ve seen the evolution of our cherished small communities over that time and believe Sebastopol will soon be facing many of the same economic, social and political policy challenges as Healdsburg in the years ahead. I believe both Sebastopol and Healdsburg are at a critical time in our history that begs for new, enlightened leadership from people like Joe.
At DEPlabs Joe has earned the loyalty of his clients and team members because he genuinely cares about them and their success. He has a global perspective capable of identifying and understanding the many facets of complex issues, assimilating large amounts of information and quickly distilling it all down into essential elements to help others clearly understand the issues at hand, the options for addressing them and the implications to all stakeholders. He is a committed advocate, objective listener and tireless researcher who leaves no stone unturned when looking for the right, best solution given the situation and circumstances. Joe is a uniquely gifted problem solver. What sets him apart is an innate willingness to selflessly share his talents to the betterment of others.
It is these vital experiences, capabilities and values that Joe will bring to the service of Healdsburg. I am confident you will not find another candidate who will care more about, work harder for, more fairly represent and vigorously honor the interests of the people of Healdsburg. Vote Joe.
John P. Fandel, CEO, DEPlabs, Inc.
No to GMOs
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
Yes on Measure D
Editor: I am a parent of two children who are and will be attending our local schools. We have been thrilled with the education that our daughter has been receiving at the Healdsburg Charter School. We appreciate the administration’s dedication to the continual improvement of our schools and the programs offered.
Prior to attending the recent HES/HCS PTO meeting, my impression was that the bond was fully for repairs on existing buildings. It turns out there is a lot more that is planned for the funds. I personally found it very exciting and would like to see it all happen. In addition to the repairs and updates needed on the buildings, there are plans for the following: construction of a Farm to Table learning space at HJH for horticulture; creation of an Ag Science outdoor learning space at HHS for possible demonstration of crops, greenhouse and livestock; construction of a 300 person auditorium/performing arts center at HHS for student presentations, class meetings student/community performances; construction of additional STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) class with a roll up door for large projects (last year the HJH built an electric car and submitted it up against mostly high schoolers); and so much more. I am personally excited to see the support for arts, science and hands-on life/trade skills.
I believe there is no better way to invest in our community’s future than in our children’s education. This bond will allow the administration to offer a first-rate education and bring our school facilities into the 21st century. It takes an entire community to educate a child. Please vote yes on Measure D.
Megan Glaab, Healdsburg
What is progressive about saying no?
Editor: In the debate over Measure R, No on R supporters are increasingly calling themselves “progressives.” An appealing term, but I really didn’t know what it means. So I looked it up. The definition of progressive is “favoring or advocating progress, change, improvement, or reform, as opposed to wishing to maintain things as they are.” So please explain to me what is progressive about voting no on R? If people need to call themselves something, perhaps a better choice would be pessimist or optimist.
The pessimist is convinced the future is bleak, untrustworthy and taking us down the tubes. The daily sense of purpose is to fret over conspiracy theories and look under rocks for hidden agendas. The only solution is to create an ever-tightening noose of regulations and strictures, so creativity, subjectivity and inspiration is all but squeezed out.
The optimist believes the future is bright. They know we may make mistakes, but those provide great opportunities to continue learning. Optimists adhere to the adage “insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results.” They believe our future will be what we make for ourselves.
Forgive me, but I am an optimist. I believe we could be on the verge of great things. My daily work takes me around the country, talking to citizens, mayors, planners and housing specialists in two kinds of towns. Towns full of pessimists are frozen in time, losing their soul and pushing out local families. They are perpetually locked in polarizing, intellectual debates that lead to nothing close to progressive. On the other hand, towns full of optimists are thriving, evolving and interesting, attracting both young and old residents, attracting high quality, socially responsible developers who respect the town’s needs because the rules are clear, the community acts as a partner, and guidelines, not regulations, allow creative problem solving to flourish.
As you go to the polls on Tuesday ask yourself. Am I a pessimist? Paralyzed by fear and unwilling to consider anything that doesn’t provide an ironclad future? Or am I an optimist? Willing to a change the status quo, and give new ideas like Yes on Measure R a chance? For the future of our town, I hope Healdsburg is full of optimists. To me that is progressive.
Jim Heid, Healdsburg
Supporting Measure M
Editor: Monsanto, Syngenta, Bayer, BASF, and duPont have arrived in Sonoma County to fight Measure M, a local Nov. 8 ballot measure that prohibits growing GMOs.
The opposition said they weren’t planning to spend money against Measure M. According to documents filed with the Sonoma County Clerk, these companies are funding a recently formed committee, “No on M- Sponsored and Opposed by farmers, ranchers, and agricultural technology companies” receiving over, $98,000 as of October 10. Contribution reports are online: http://bit.ly/2dw5DDX. Agro-chemical corporations wouldn’t be funding our opposition, if they didn’t have plans for Sonoma County. The fact is, more and more people want non-GMO food. Our local farms have a right to grow it without contamination. It’s that simple.
These companies make genetically engineered seeds and the herbicides designed to be used with them. When grown in open fields, GMO crops present a contamination threat to non-GMO farms miles away. As new GMO crops are released, local farmers will face a greater threat to their businesses. Eighty percent of Sonoma County dairies are organic, so their cows cannot eat contaminated grass.
Farmers are concerned: “My right to grow non-GMO shouldn’t be threatened by someone else’s business practices that are harmful to mine. Millions of dollars in lost export revenue has occurred from GMO contamination,” said Joey Smith of Let’s Go Farm. “Because people growing genetically engineered crops aren’t required to register, we don’t know how many genetically engineered crops are growing in Sonoma County. We don’t want GMO crops proliferating here. That’s why we’re taking action. Measure M is about being proactive, just like the GMO growing bans in five other CA counties.”
Chemical companies have spent money fighting similar battles in communities with ballot measures to prohibit growing GMO crops. In Jackson County, Oregon, chemical companies spent nearly $1 million in 2014 against Measure 15-119. The ban, however, was approved by more than 65 percent of the voters. Oregonian voters saw through the opposition’s deceptive information and rallied to support their GMO crop ban to protect family farms and their agricultural future. GMO crops and traditional crops can’t coexist.
The Yes on M Committee is supported by a broad list of endorsers, including: local farmers, dairy owners, farming organizations, vintners, business owners, newspapers, environmental organizations like the Sierra Club and Sonoma County Conservation Action; political groups like the local Democratic Party; former Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey; former State Senator Noreen Evans; former State Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada; local elected and community leaders throughout the County and numerous residents. The text of Measure M, endorsements, and more is at gmofreesonomacounty.com.
Karen Hudson, Citizens for Healthy Farms and Families, Yes on M
Proof of chemical safety needed
Editor: The No on T mailers say that ingesting fluoride protects everyone – young and old. Why do we need more chemicals in our bodies when studies show that there is virtually no difference in tooth decay in fluoridated areas compared with non-fluoridated areas? There is more fluoride in the U.S. than the rest of the world combined, yet the rate of tooth decay is the same as 99 percent of the world that does not fluoridate their water. Proof of safety from a toxic chemical should be in everyone’s best interest, especially since fluoridated products are readily available, and are most effective if used topically.
Erika Linn, Healdsburg
Stop abusing property owners
Editor: Look at your tax bill. Property owners are paying for three Healdsburg Unified School District bonds totaling $135 million for school facilities repair, with the last $35 million in 2012. Now they have the audacity to ask for another $67 million to continue the repair process, financially encumbering property owners for another 40 years. The $67 million would bring the 25-30 year total to over $200 million for fixing the same so-called deteriorating buildings, raising future debt to $140 million. It is like saying we wasted $12-$20 million over 12-15 years to renovate the same 60 year old facilities. Where is all this money going? Taxpayers would be aghast to learn a huge percentage goes to design fees and construction costs to renovate and build simple one-story buildings. There is no competitive bidding and the Oversight Committee has no power.
We gave you the money, so where is the return on the educational investment? HHS is classified as an average school ranking #1811 in the nation, 334th in California with only 30 percent college ready. Measure D is not about education. California public schools are political incubators used by politicians and real estate brokers to boast about “beautiful world class facilities” to advance their businesses and careers.
HUSD believe they have the voting bloc of registered voters and are trying to quietly place the measure on the ballot as there has minimal public discussion. The irony is that the so-called registered voters would vote no if it was their money. Property tax money is considered free money and politicians will not stop, so expect your future tax bills to escalate.
Foss Creek School was built in 1990 for $9-$10 million and was sold to the city for $5 million-plus in 2014. Our obligation should have been satisfied upon the sale but HUSD refinanced, extending the obligation, so you are paying property taxes on a property that HUSD does not own. In 1994, the $19.5 million HUSD bond was to create a new modern “Healdsburg University” and “Bridge to the Future.” After years of delay, cost overruns and mismanagement HHS/HJH renovation cost about $23 million finishing in 2001. Circa 2006, the new elementary school was built for about $13 million. Many local people are financially stretched with some having to place parcel taxes on credit cards. Vote no on Measure D and tell HUSD and politicians to stop abusing Healdsburg property owners.
Kevin J. McCann, Healdsburg
Move forward, yes on R
Editor: I worked in Healdsburg in the 70s and moved here in 1990, so I have some street cred as a local. I am not a member of a pro or anti-Measure R group, I have no property to build on, have no friends or family who are developers and I already have a home I bought in 1990 when they were still cheap (for a trashed fixer-upper that is). There is no single action that will solve the housing crisis in our town. I have attended most of the Housing Committee meetings and I’ve found that the committee members are people of good faith who are trying to help, have provided an enormous amount of information about this complicated subject and have exhaustively asked for public input. The text of Measure R and the Housing Action Plan (HAP) reflects what we asked for at all those meetings and workshops. R certainly does not satisfy some, who feel that the existing GMO must not be touched or others who feel it does not go far enough. The best chance we have of providing rentals and affordable homes is to implement Measure R and S and follow through with the recommendations of the HAP including support for small homes, granny units, apartments and multi-family housing.
Plenty of the anti-R people are of good faith and are concerned about affordable housing and growth. But one well-funded group, led by someone who does not live in Healdsburg, essentially handed the committee a list of demands, which would dilute the measure into irrelevance. Finally the committee stopped trying to give in to all their demands and drafted the current Measure R and included Measure S to increase the hotel tax on tourists to help pay for it. This anti-R group has spent a ton of money sending out glossy ads filled with hysterical claims and personal attacks. I have gotten way too much of this from the Trump campaign. We must move forward, and not just fight and complain and demand.
I urge all my neighbors to vote yes on Measure R and Measure S, elect pro-affordable housing city council members and attend the housing committee meetings and workshops.
Michael Miller, Healdsburg
Toxic product from China?
Editor: Our fluoride comes from China. Below is a list of other items imported from China that have been found to be toxic and recalled: cosmetics, toys, dog food, cat food, laminate flooring, drywall, gardening gloves, baby bibs, notebooks, jewelry, herbal supplements, candy, ginger, shrimp, fish, toothpaste. Does fluoride belong on this list? Let’s test it and find out, our health depends on it. Vote yes on T.
Brian Pardini, Healdsburg
Hagele for council
Editor: I’ve known David Hagele for over 10 years, when he was president of the Active 20-30 Club #50. In 2009, when the City of Santa Rosa, County of Sonoma and the fairgrounds were facing severe budget cuts, David lead the effort to save Sonoma County’s largest fireworks show, Red White & Boom! He worked directly with our city manager, city council, fair board, Board of Supervisors and countless staff members to navigate through a very complex budget crisis to help save a great event for Sonoma County.
I have been a Santa Rosa city councilmember during great economic times and the difficult recession years and know firsthand what it takes to be a leader during both good and challenging times. I know David will be a responsible, thoughtful and consensus-building member of your city council.
Simply put, David Hagele is committed to his community and I believe Healdsburg residents are lucky to have the opportunity to vote for a man of his caliber to represent them on the Healdsburg City Council.
John Sawyer, Mayor, City of Santa Rosa
For Naujokas
Editor: I am writing in support of Joe Naujokas for City Council. I first met Joe over twenty years ago. I was somewhat new in my job at the Healdsburg Library. He volunteered to help at the library. It was refreshing and unusual to have a young man volunteer. Retired people, people with some time usually volunteer at the library, but here was this young guy, spending several of his evenings each week helping with mundane but essential library tasks. His bright, optimistic manner and ability to solve problems, to look at how the library did things, ask questions, and make intelligent and respectful suggestions about they might be done better, all this impressed me. He has since worked for the library in putting on computer programming classes for teens.
Over the years, I met his girlfriend, now his wife, Lauren Parnes. I watched from a distance as they settled in to Healdsburg and grew a family. They are active parents and hands-on with after school activities. And Lauren is a great librarian at the Junior High. Their son Sam carried on his father legacy and volunteered at the library to help us older and technically challenged library users get at library resources online.
Joe gets Healdsburg, and the community spirit that makes it more than a destination. His positions on using the hotel tax, on attracting affordable housing, on ways to solve the parking problem are all reasonable and reflect what I think most of us who live here most of the year think is right and doable. He has an agile mind. He works in devising computer network solutions. He has the ability to listen, study, and absorb the parameters of a complex and squirrely problem and propose a solution. More importantly he has the stamina, fortitude and follow-through to make the solutions a reality.
Over the years I have helped put on fundraisers for various causes. Recently I helped put one for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church struggling Spanish language service. We did a dinner in the Parish Hall. I put the arm on a lot of friends and neighbors to attend. Joe, not a Parishioner, came and showed his support, as did many, but then, unlike just about everybody else, Joe Naukokas rolled up his sleeves and helped do the dishes and clean up the kitchen. That’s the kind of guy I want on the Council.
Bo Simons
Healdsburg
Be informed on fluoridation
Editor: In response to Rohnert Park resident Dawna Gallagher’s recent letter to the editor (October 27, 2016) I would like to point out a few facts while offering the perspective of a local resident and dental professional.
NSF International is a not-for-profit standards development and conformity assessment organization. Products used for drinking water treatment are evaluated to the criteria specified in NSF/ANSI Standard 60. This standard was developed by an NSF International-led consortium, including the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AWWARF), the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA), and the Conference of State Health and Environmental Managers. For further details see https://www.nsf.org/newsroom_pdf/NSF_Fact_Sheet_on_Fluoridation.pdf.
Fluoride is tested at the production facility, not by the agencies of the State of California, although California requires that chemicals used in treating potable water must meet Standard 60 requirements. The same standard is used for certification by all water agencies used in all community water fluoridation programs servicing over 200 million Americans.
It is important for Healdsburg citizens to be well informed about Measure T. The Sonoma County Democratic Party withdrew their misinformed support of the measure, after hearing information provided by the No on T campaign. Community water fluoridation is not a partisan issue. It’s a public health issue that should be embraced by all.
There is no evidence that the sodium fluoride used in Healdsburg’s Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) program isn’t being tested correctly, no evidence that people are getting sick from CWF, no evidence that the people of Healdsburg are getting dumber. There is a preponderance of evidence showing the opposite of all the claims made by the Yes on T campaign. Please go to noonthealdsburg.com to the section on fluoridation facts, so you can link up to the studies and do your own research. There is no evidence supporting the claim that the citizens of Healdsburg show any increase in diseases over that of the rest of Sonoma County (which is not yet fluoridated). What’s more, in my practice in Healdsburg, I see little dental decay in the families I serve and children’s teeth are strong and healthy. Yet, in networking with my colleagues in surrounding areas, I am always amazed to hear their concerns with how to manage the amount and severity of the decay they see in their patients, especially in young children.
I want to thank all of you who have researched the facts and have joined me in voting No on Measure T. If you haven’t voted, please don’t be swayed by the mistruths and deceptive fear tactics used by some of the yes campaigners. Please vote No on Measure T.
Shawn Widick DDS, Healdsburg