LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Five Councilmembers
Editor: Recently there have been several letters, and an opinion
piece in the Sonoma West Times concerning the proposed leaf blower
ban. Many of the writers, in expressing their point of view,
indicate disappointment that the Council is considering a ban on
leaf blowers.
I do not support a ban. I voted no when the Council directed
staff to draft an ordinance that would ban leaf blowers with the
only exception that the city could use them in an emergency. Please
remember there are five Council Members, and many of the votes are
not unanimous.
It is gratifying to see so many citizens taking action and
speaking out on this issue. Several people have told me this is the
first time they have taken civic action, but were compelled to
because they feel so strongly about this proposed ban. I hope they
will stay involved.
The community benefits when its citizens are part of the
process.
Kathleen Shaffer
Sebastopol Councilmember
Toxic towers
Editor: In their rush to increase coverage, cell phone companies
are scrambling to erect more towers — often disguised as fake
trees, church steeples or water towers. Major financial incentives
are offered to property owners while health costs to their
families, livestock and neighbors are entirely ignored.
As a local realtor, I can tell you that property values nearby
will plummet, since most people don’t want to live next to a cell
tower. Despite telecom industry cover-up, the evidence is piling
up. Microwave radiation from cell towers is harmful to health,
causes DNA breakages and a myriad of symptoms.
Our bodies are bio-electric, as measured by EKGs and EEGs.
Interference from microwave radiation can alter the delicate
electrical activity which regulates the function of our hearts,
brains and other organs. Heart rhythm disturbance, sleep disruption
and headache are some of the more common symptoms.
What will it take to stop this toxic technology rollout? It took
a long time to make the connection between cigarettes and lung
cancer, with Big Tobacco occluding the truth. Let’s not make the
same mistake again. Say no to Big Telecom. Protect your health and
local property values. No more new cell towers or additional
antennas on existing towers.
Nancy Hubert
Sebastopol