OPINION - Readers Endorse Candidates, Measures and Propositions
Every election is important, but this one has serious significance for both local and national elections. Our readers check in with their opinions on who and what they encourage you to vote YES.
Is Voting Yes on Measure 10 the Right Choice?
Rent control doesn’t solve housing problems and it too often complicates the housing market for everyone-even renters because there has never been a rent control law that is airtight enough to keep landlords from finding ways around it that hurts renters in them long run. It only sounds good to voters who need help right now so they go for it and those running for office can use its feel good sentimentality to get votes too. What is good about it is taking it’s control out of the hands of the state allowing local municipalities to use it freely for their own purposes; and sometimes its temporary use is productive but requires a very smart and knowledgeable government system to use it efficiently. Does it move the dial in the right direction to make a point that people are tired of the housing situation and want productive change from government? Yes, but that’s all it does is make a point that people are fed up while not solving any of the problems that are causing them to be frustrated. Its too little too late. Should people vote yes on it? If the point it to make a point to demand their government do more about housing, than definitely vote yes, especially if that’s all there is to vote on, but if effective change is what is wanted, there will be a disappointment. Measure 10 is one of those difficult voter questions where we have to ask “how do we let our leaders hear that we want change, without having to vote for laws that hurt us?” I don’t want to discourage people from their only voting voice but it’s a shame that this is the only thing on the ballot for such and important issue.
Angela Conte
Wake Up Petaluma
Petaluma has a particularly crucial election approaching that will most definitely determine whether our city remains a livable one or whether we will be sold out to developers keen to cash in on the town’s burgeoning popularity and proximity to The City.
With November’s elections, Petaluma will see not only the mayoral change of guard but also a there are 3 seats in our City Council to be decided and, close on the heels, a new City Manager. This election could be a game-changer to the quality of life that Petalumans so highly value.
With so much at stake, I am particularly concerned about Petaluma’s mayoral. I am compelled to speak out about my very strong preference. Make no mistake, there are two very different candidates competing for this seat.
One candidate, Mike Harris, is a thinly veiled former Republican (former Bush/Cheney Delegate, pro-Corporate Personhood), an opponent of the assault weapons ban, supporter of the forever Sales Tax Measure Q and an opponent of key local environmental issues.
My choice is clear and strong:Teresa Barrett.
In the 25 years that I’ve lived in Petaluma, I’ve watched Teresa in action through her 12 years serving on City Council. In that time, she has shown tremendous dedication and tireless determination and she has acquired the experience and qualifications to be the next Mayor of Petaluma.
Teresa Barrett has devoted herself to making Petaluma a safer, more prosperous and desirable community. Her focus on smart growth and traffic resolution has been key in making Petaluma more livable for all. She has fought to achieve equitable housing opportunities and traffic mitigation while protecting our beautiful surroundings and focusing on clean energy.
Petaluma is booming and we can thank Teresa Barrett for having done her part in making this happen. She has an extremely impressive list of endorsements from elected officials, including Congressmen Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson, organizations such as the AFL-CIO, Sonoma County Conservation Action and the Sierra Club, local businesses, community leaders and private individuals. I’m delighted to be among her list of endorsers.
Petaluma is at a juncture that needs strong, clear-headed leadership. Teresa Barrett is the mayor we need now. I strongly encourage Petalumans to vote in November for Teresa Barrett for Petaluma’s Mayor in 2018 so that we can continue to grow as a community, as a prosperous town and a most desirable place to visit and to live.
Get to know Teresa, visit her campaign website:barrettformayor2018.com and vote for Teresa Barrett.
John Crowley & Diane Gentile, Petaluma
Get Involved!
By Sister District - West County Group
You can help elect Democratic candidates to state legislatures that are currently Republican held. OnOctober 20, we will hit the Forestville trail again with“Walk It Blue”. Prizes for walkers are donated by local businesses and all proceeds go to Democratic candidates in Arizona’s State Legislature.
