Letters to the Editor 5-29-14

No Party Option
Editor: The primary election is upon us soon and nearly 75 percent of independent voters remain unaware that they can now participate in the primary. I am writing this letter to advise voters of the option to declare No Party Preference and vote for the candidates of their choice. We are no longer confined by two-party domination. California used the No Party Preference option for the first time in 2012 and the results were dramatic: 8 incumbents were defeated and 6 retired rather than face the new system. Inspired by this fix, I became involved with IndependentVoice.org, a volunteer organization. We are collaborating with the local County Registrars to inform voters of the new rule. We have successfully worked with Los Angeles and Orange Counties to improve voter instructions and sample ballots announcing the No Party Preference option. Independents come from a diversity of political leanings. We share a value in common faith in democracy. This 2012 change has already proven successful in electing candidates that better represent the people and the needs of the local communities. We are asking that media outlets do more to cover this critically important issue and we also ask that Secretary of State Debra Bowen emphasize the importance of informing California Voters about all of their options.
Marilyn Stephens
Local IndependentVoice.org Volunteer
Running for Assembly
Editor: I am a candidate for the California Assembly in the North Coast Second District. I’ve lived in the North Coast district for almost 40 years. My wife and I built our home in western Sonoma County. Our children grew up here, and they attended local public schools. I’ve worked here as a teacher and a carpenter. This is our community. I worked at Burbank Housing, a successful nonprofit affordable housing company in Sonoma County, for 28 years, and I was the executive director between 1998 and 2012. Burbank employs 140 people and has developed over 3500 homes and apartments. We were successful in bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars that were turned into jobs, housing and economic development. I have business experience running a private company with a public purpose. My work was about creating opportunities, and we need wider opportunities, particularly for our young people. In addition to housing and homeownership, opportunities depend on good jobs, effective education, access to healthcare and quality public services and infrastructure. And all of these depend on a vital and growing economy, and on business success.  Our North Coast District is vast and diverse. It’s also a magnificent place to live. It contains an amazing variety of natural environments and habitats and includes a third of California’s coastline. Protection of these treasures is our responsibility, as is protection of the region’s economic potential.  Any leader in this region, regardless of political views, will need to address these sometimes competing priorities. I understand these issues, and I am able to listen and seek consensus. I am a Democrat, though I’m concerned that both major parties can be driven by interest groups that do not represent our wider interests.  We deserve more effective government that can address wider concerns without the constraint of powerful particular interests. I’m independent, and I have the knowledge, the will and the passion to work for a new and more pragmatic vision of California politics.
John Lowry
Candidate for State Assembly
Endorsing Wood
Editor: I have known Healdsburg Mayor Jim Wood for more than 20 years since I moved to Healdsburg and would like to highly recommend a vote to elect him to State Assembly. Jim has a long history of community service. Despite a busy dental practice and being a devoted father and husband, he was a longtime member of the planning commission prior to his current second term on the Healdsburg City Council and his second term as Mayor. He has found time to lobby for public health measures both locally and in Sacramento, and has done community service as a dedicated Rotarian. As a forensic dental specialist, he has volunteered his skills to aid victims following the disasters of 911, Katrina and Haiti. I am one of many who encouraged Jim to run, impressed with his service. I have personally worked with Mayor Wood on affordable housing and smart growth and I can attest to his passion and hard work in these areas. He is well versed and serious about local and statewide job creation and pension and business concerns. As anyone who needs to get something done with the city in Healdsburg knows, Jim can always be counted on to be responsive, approachable and reasonable. He is able to listen to and work with both sides of an issue. You can count on him to get things done, not just talk about them. I know that he’ll bring this dedication and commitment to representing our local community to Sacramento for as long as he’s there. Please join us in voting for Jim Wood for State Assembly on June 3.
Brad Drexler
Healdsburg
Endorsing Foppiano
Editor: I’m writing to encourage everyone to join me in supporting Pete Foppiano for 4th District Supervisor. I’ve worked with Pete as a senior loan agent for over 15 years. In that time, I’ve seen him work tirelessly for the benefit of our clients and for his agents. During the worst recession in the last 80 years, many small loan brokerages closed their doors. Pete kept his business going and his people working during the worst economic downturn we’ve seen in our lifetime. He helped people who were facing foreclosure keep their homes, often working for free. He has always been honest, fair and caring. We need people representing us who understand government, business and the community, and who have experience working on local issues. I can’t think of a better choice than Pete. Please join me in supporting Pete Foppiano for 4th District Supervisor on June 3.
Larry Wright
Santa Rosa
Endorsing Sundstrom
Editor: On June 3, 2014, one office on your ballot may seem unfamiliar to many voters. However, the office of Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector of Sonoma County will appear on your ballot with two candidates listed for the first time in approximately 16 years. David Sundstrom was appointed to the office of Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector back in 2011 unanimously by the Board of Supervisors to complete the four-year term of his predecessor, who retired before the end of his term. Mr. Sundstrom has impeccable credentials and he brings to his office over 35 years of this caliber of governmental accounting and financial experience to our county. We are extremely fortunate to have this caliber of professional hold this office. Our tax dollars are in good hands with him overseeing the treasury. He is a true professional with the leadership skills necessary to lead his department of 90 employees. Please join us in voting for David Sundstrom for Sonoma County Auditor-Controller a Treasurer-Tax Collector on June 3. 2014.
Shaun McCaffery,
Susan Jones,
Gary Plass
Healdsburg City Council
Poll Workers Needed
Editor: The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office is in need of poll workers for the upcoming Consolidated Primary Election, to be held June 3, 2014. We are looking for volunteers to serve throughout the County. Inspectors receive $135 plus mileage and must attend a mandatory training class. Clerks receive $100 for the day. To be placed on the poll worker’s availability roster call 565-6816.
Registrar of Voters Division
Sonoma County