LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – 12-15-11

Support for Shaffer
Editor: Although I don’t live in Sebastopol, I am a West County
resident and I work within the Sebastopol city limits. In my line
of work it’s helpful for me to be aware of the local politics, and
from time to time I will jump in with an opinion at the City
Council meetings.
I think it’s important to engage in an intelligent manner, and I
value comprehensive input as it supports a qualified decision
making process. It is with this in mind that the most recent
mayoral appointment that overlooked the merits of Kathleen
Shaffer’s leadership leaves me perplexed.
The traditional annual rotation for each council member to act as
mayor has again been modified to favor what seems to be a select
few to the exclusion of certain councilmembers.
This action, taken while Kathleen and her husband were dealing with
family issues begs the question: Why?
She has a stunning and active record, like, she personally
solicited private donations so that our downtown Main Street has
the benefit and cheer of bright holiday lights this year; she
helped organize the Sebastopol Entrepreneurs Project
(SebastopolEntrepreneurs.org) whose mission is to help businesses
start and stay in the city and West County; she was just elected
and will serve as Second Vice President of the California League of
Cities, North Bay Division; along with Larry Robinson, she brought
the strictest smoking ordinance forward – the County of Sonoma has
now enacted the same ban; she has organized neighborhood meetings
to hear residents’ concerns and the speed detector installed by
Burbank Heights is a direct result of these meetings and she still
maintains her participation and commitment with our Senior Center
as a Board Member and Committee Leader.
I know Kathleen will continue to work for the community as a
councilmember in spite of being passed over for mayor.
However, let’s not forget the good work with real results that she
provides on behalf of our community.
Cory Maguire
Graton
Outside the box
Editor: Enliven downtown Sebastopol, attract eco/edu tourists and
empower youth with useful skills for the future:
Maybe we should provide scientists, engineers, tech leaders and
art/science innovators funding incentives for running for political
office.
Phil Harriman, Robert Porter, Ned Kahn, Dale Dougherty, Bill
Seidel, Dan Smith and many more local residents may have more
gumption, practical ideas and solutions for local and regional
issues than many of our elected officials.
Certainly Sonoma County fares better than most when it comes to
practical innovations; from the water agency’s solar advocacy to
the county supervisors daring dive into chicken (excrement) power.
At least they are trying.
Too bad we can’t find a way to purchase the Pellini property and
put it into the hands of the innovators mentioned above. A hands-on
Insitu U. – a training and demonstration Exploratorium Maker
Facility with dormitories and learning environment for youth from
our own region and beyond.
The ongoing projects could be on display for all to see right on
the main corner and entrance to Sebastopol. A fun place to play,
make and show.
With a well-thought-out financial plan, it might be possible to
issue a corporate or even municipal bond to purchase and build a
facility that attracts visitors from outside the region.
If a stable income stream can be developed over time, it can then
support a bond. Could an “Exploratorium North” with a “Maker Place”
attract a growing revenue stream and enliven our economy?
Daniel Osmer
Sebastopol
Redwood damage
Editor: If CVS and Chase were to pull out of the Redwood
Marketplace and move to our downtown core at the junction of
highways 12 and 116, I wonder how that would effect Lucky Market,
Mary’s Pizza Shack, Radio Shack, Pacific Market, Sebastopol
Hardware, Mombo’s Pizza … well, you get the idea. Not a pretty
picture.
Helen Shane
Sebastopol
Who’s the boss?
Editor: The (Nov. 16) meeting of the Sebastopol city Design Review
Board on the CVS/Chase project was well directed. Boss Helen Shane
had organized her troops to make sure the design was not
approved.
Along with her allies … she made sure posters were up against the
project. Anyone who spoke up in favor was confronted as they left
the building.
The ironic issue for Helen must be this: She fought against the
Northeast Project because it was too dense. Now she is saying this
new project is not dense enough.
Which way do you and your outside the city limits friends want it
Helen? They would rather have nothing on the property and have it
fall apart.
It is time for those of us who believe in personal property rights
to let the boss of Sebastopol know we do not want to be controlled
by her and her no growth at any cost policy.
Why does the city council give her so much to direct their
business?
Martin M. Webb
Sebastopol
Council insecurity
Editor: Some members of the city council must be so insecure in
themselves.
Kathleen Shaffer was again passed over to keep Helen Shane’s
puppets in office. She was nominated by Patrick Slayter – Kathleen
wasn’t even in town – and was voted down by the other three council
members so they can keep control in stopping any changes in this
town.
Kathleen Shaffer puts more time, energy and caring into this town
then the three council members who voted against her
together.
Kathleen cares about the businesses in town and the people who live
here, whether they are young or old. The three council members who
voted against her just work on their and Helen Shane’s personal
agendas. Again a embarrassment for our Town.
Kathleen thank you for continuing to work for Sebastopol’s good
against such adversity.
Linda Rouse
Sebastopol
Outrageous oversight
Editor: I think it’s outrageous that this town passed over the
progressive, critical mass of changes that our city so needs
through the tireless efforts of Kathleen Shaffer.
I am very disappointed in the City Council with their lack of
forward thinking.
Deborah Shemesh
Sebastopol