Note: The City Council’s informal decision on Dec. 16 to adopt a five-district, selected mayor format for city government in the redistricting process drew immediate reactions from several community members, who felt the decision was made unnecessarily quickly and short-circuited public discussion of the options. Here are a few of their comments:
Dear Editor:
Healdsburg recently made the decision to switch to district elections, which will be formally voted on in April 2025. This means that Healdsburg will now consist of districts rather than one large entity, each district with a representative in the City Council. This transition will provide more equitable representation, funding, and opportunities for the hardworking residents of Healdsburg.
The Healdsburg City Council on December 16th, supported by the City Manager, unilaterally determined that we would not explore increasing the number of districts or the possibility of electing an at-large mayor. This decision, which was not agendized, and did not need to happen until January 6th, was pushed through without community input. In a 4-1 vote, the council decided to keep the “status quo” with 5 districts and a rotating mayor. Community attendees were stunned at how quickly and deftly the council shut down all options, seemingly to support their own self-interests. It was a disgraceful manipulation of the process and their power. The residents of Healdsburg really have a right to their expectation of a series of town hall style meetings, where they can give input, evaluate the options and really have a voice.
After the failure of measure O, the council should have gotten the message that they need to communicate more effectively and bring people into the process. They just made the same mistake again. No wonder residents are disenfranchised with participation at any level and feel a visceral mistrust.
Heather Hannan-Kramer
Healdsburg
‘A disappointing beginning’
I didn’t realize the City Council would be voting on a significant district formation factor (at Dec.16 meeting). However, in reviewing the agenda I see that part of their task was to provide direction to staff. I made the effort to attend in person in order to listen and learn, but in particular to ask questions.
Paul Mitchell from Redistricting Partners, the two women from Windsor who made a special trip to share their city districting experience, the thoughtful and principled Phil Luks among other speakers; each urged being true to the stated intent of this major change to voting districts, i.e. to make equity foremost in the process and for a more fairly represented future. To me that means partnering with the community. In that regard, how did last night’s vote increase decision making access for all, especially the Spanish-speaking 34%?
Betsy Mallace from Windsor advised that Healdsburg stay open as long as possible; that we wouldn’t really understand what was best for our city and the community until the public actually begins drawing up a variety of maps. City Manager Jeff Kay was pushing for staff direction but he did not insist on a decision last night, so why not reopen the process to allow more people to become engaged and heard?
With all the emphasis on multiple input hearings, transparency and inclusion, last night felt like a really disappointing beginning. We all have competing issues that beg for our personal time and attention. If this is how future districting decisions will be made, why should we feel encouraged to stay engaged?
Democracy is on the line for at least the next four years. Let’s be a model for how we work together democratically and what is truly fair and possible in Healdsburg.
Merrilyn Joyce
Healdsburg
‘Railroaded this decision’
I am very disappointed with how the city manager and council came to such an abrupt and exclusive decision on the number of districts and the role and determination of the future mayor. The council’s actions last night railroaded this decision through, without community input or even acknowledgement of the proposed process that was laid out in advance.
I am a 10-year resident of Healdsburg, 15 of Sonoma County, and was truly astounded by the maneuvering that occurred yesterday. I feel it is our duty as citizens who are committed to a more equitable community to call out the self-serving “leaders” who so deftly pushed this well-intended train off the track.
My interest, after closely following the recent City Council election, is in helping to have a more collaborative and inclusive governing body. I am open to the concept of six districts plus an at-large mayor, and would love to engage in collaborative discourse around the pros and cons of the different options on the table.
Rebecca Miller
Healdsburg
