LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 8-9-12

Appreciates Shaffer
Editor: Here are a couple of reasons I plan to vote to re-elect Kathleen Shaffer to the Sebastopol City Council.
First, I really appreciate that, not only does she listen to us, the residents of Sebastopol, but she also creates opportunities for us to speak. That keeping in touch with us is a terrific strength for her.
Second, I appreciate her common-sense approach to the whole CVS-Chase imbroglio. As she says, they have met every requirement the city has stated, so they should be approved. If we do not like the results of our requirements, we should change them so that they reflect our values. Putting in extra requirements for one entity (organization or person) but not another is selective enforcement, and none of us would want that done to us. In addition, putting in extra requirements after the fact is, in effect, making an ex post facto law, which is contrary to the legal principles that are the foundation of our country. We should be sure our requirements reflect our values and then enforce them evenly for everyone.
I hope you will join me in keeping Kathleen Shaffer’s common-sense voice on the Sebastopol City Council.
Marian McDonald
Sebastopol
Jacob’s Flier
Editor: My husband and I came home from grocery shopping Saturday morning to find Robert Jacob’s flyer on our door.
No surprise there, we’ve gotten a handful in the last few weeks. But there was something new about this one that did surprise me … a survey. I have never had someone running for office actually ask me what I think about local issues.
We filled out the survey online (to save a stamp) and wrote probably more than anyone wants to read when the questions asked for additional comments. Hopefully, Jacob is actually reading the responses.
I think collecting information this way — easily, anonymously, and quickly — should be the norm. We’re not a big city and we should use technology to get a wider perspective, at least on major issues. Going to a city council meeting is an ordeal. We have kids. Especially on major issues, I’d love to know someone’s hearing my opinion, not just the opinions of the people who can attend the meetings.
Having the survey really impressed me. Kudos to Jacob for actually providing a means to share our thoughts about issues in the community.
Kelly Rogoff
Sebastopol
Successful in business
Editor: I’m a Sebastopol resident, Director and founder at Peace in Medicine, and at-large member of Sebastopol’s Business Outreach Committee. I felt compelled to share my perspective on Robert Jacob as a candidate for City Council.
There is a consistent view that Robert is the green, community-oriented candidate, and that is certainly true. But he’s also a keen businessperson, most notably in his evaluation of short and long-term effects of decisions, and comfort saying “no” when it’s just not right.
Prior to Peace in Medicine, Robert launched successful salons and spas and founded a charter school, and held several corporate management roles. While busy working, Robert helped raise millions for non-profit organizations and community groups. Let me remind you that Robert is only 35 years old.
That is why Robert was recognized by the North Bay Business Journal’s 2012 Forty Under 40 business leaders award. Young businesspeople like Robert truly shape our economic future.
We need talented leaders to represent the next generation, and encourage new, local businesses. By electing Robert to one of two seats up for election this year, we will benefit from his youthful passion, courage, and integrity without sacrificing solid ability and experience.
Led by innovative thinkers, Sebastopol can foster dynamic, fitting growth and local career opportunities. As a business management professional of over thirty years, I wholeheartedly believe Robert’s youthful perspective, balanced by his maturity, experience, and skill is precisely what our Council needs to ensure the long-term economic and ecological well-being of Sebastopol.
Carl Kerwick
Sebastopol