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Sebastappeal by Sarah Glade Gurney - June 2017

Council members elected last November share thoughts about their first six months in office.

Michael Carnacchi

What’s the most significant lesson you’ve learned? The inner workings of city governance and how it relates to U.S. governance as a whole.

Have there been any surprises so far? Yes, but I do not call them surprises but rather, “ah ha” moments.

Have your goals changed now that you’re in office? No, but I am learning how to best execute those goals with the favor of my colleague council members. I also have new additional goals and duties.

What do you hope to accomplish? One immediate goal that I hope to accomplish is for the Sebastopol City Council to establish and assign a liaison to the Sebastopol Union School District and the West Sonoma County Union High School District (hopefully me), so that the school districts and city council will improve upon our communication and event coordination. I have already met personally with the school district superintendents (and some board members) who have submitted letters of interest in establishing a mutual liaison relationship with the city. During our initial meetings, it was suggested that the liaison could serve as a direct connection between Brook Haven School’s already established youth council, and El Molino and Analy High School AP Government classes and city council. It was further suggested that the students could work together to propose an actual agenda item to be calendared for a “public hearing” at a Sebastopol City Council meeting. This will give our youth ownership in their government and begin conversations in the classrooms asking each other; “what goal do we all share in common?” City Council discussion and decision about establishing the above said liaison is tentatively scheduled for the June 6, 2017 Sebastopol City Council meeting.

What’s the best way to reach you? By email at mcarnacchi@cityofsebastopol.org, or by telephone at 823-7204, or by stopping by the boot shop when my door is open.

Anything else you’d like to say? No.

Neysa Hinton

What’s the most significant lesson you’ve learned? People will all have opinions and they have no problem stating them (in particular via email), and many times without having all of the facts. I have learned that I cannot please everyone and I cannot take negative things that are said personally. It can be hard because I like to be liked.

Have there been any surprises for far? How much community support I have received to serve, both during my campaign and after I took office. People often come up to me and thank me for being on the city council at the grocery store or other places around town. I’ve also realized that my financial background running businesses comes in handy. I know how to read a spreadsheet!

Have your goals changed now that you’re in office? My goal was always to serve my community using my knowledge of the community and practical sensibilities. I have come to realize that things I may want to accomplish take a long time to make happen. Nothing moves quickly and it always costs more than expected.

What do you hope to accomplish? I hope to have a positive impact on the city I love. I commit to doing my best and to try to pursue issues important to the citizens of Sebastopol.

What’s the best way to reach you? Email. Neysacouncil@gmail.com.

Anything else you’d like to say? I am enjoying being a member of the Sebastopol City Council. I have been warmly welcomed by my colleagues and while we may not always have the same position on a subject, we learn from each other and work for the best possible outcome to benefit the community. I know by serving I can make a difference in my community. That has been the best part so far!

Thank You!

Heather, the owner of The Service Station in Forestville, has generously donated the print copies of the Safety Sign mentioned last month.

Jeff Rebischung of Fine Tree Care has adopted the trees on The Plaza and qualified his crew through our Public Works Department to remove the troublesome mistletoe.

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