DEAR COMMUNITY,
Right now the only candidates running for City Council are incumbents. It would make for a lively and exciting debate on important issues if more people throw their hat into the ring.
If you have ever considered running for office please do so now. If you are concerned about local issues such as the environment, housing, water supply, traffic, and development, all these issues will be dealt with by the council in the coming years.
I attend nearly all of the Council Meetings and I believe there is a strong disconnect between the public's perception of our Green majority Council with two Democrats and the reality of their actions. They are great at passing resolutions to oppose the war and to impeach, but they could really have an effect if they stood up to the corporate interests that affect us locally.
Most people I speak to that do not attend the meetings assume that since they elected such a progressive council that "green" concerns will be defended.
Sadly, that has not been the case.
All three Green members have now advocated for the use of chemicals in the Laguna even though we are a Pesticide Free Zone and they ran on a platform that states the intention to rid the environment of harmful chemicals.
The proposed Laguna Vista Housing project which has been opposed by the Laguna Preservation Council, SWIG, and almost everyone else for over 5 years is still in front of the Council. Over and over again the public has presented strong evidence clearly articulated to defeat this project but the Council has not held one healthy debate about the issue and has refused to represent the strong concerns of the people.
1500 people signed a petition in opposition to this project, still the Council is avoiding a vote on the extremely flawed Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and refusing to support the CEQA process.
There are wells on private property running dry and more being reported all the time, but the city has yet to do a ground water study even after numerous requests.
The Council is pushing for a large development of commercial and residential, (up to 3and 4 stories high) in the Northeast Area that flooded New Year's even though traffic is already a mess, water supply and wastewater allotments are limited and public transportation is pathetic.
This plan has cost the City over 300,000 for a contract with a non-local consultant and it was not put out to bid for local firms. The City has also spent more money on branding and marketing to a total of over 40,000 dollars.
All of this goes against the General Plan's intent to maintain a small country town and make sure our Level of Service is maintained and our Laguna enhanced instead of further stressed and polluted. The General Plan took 3 years of intense citizen participation and review, it is well thought out, clearly articulated and puts in place strong guidelines for the integrity of Sebastopol to be protected. It is really our town "Constitution".
If these issues are important to you please consider running for office, there are many people who would help you if you find the above issues crucial to our future.
You can file until August 11th. Just call City Hall and then call a meeting!
Best of Luck! Magick
want to run for City Council?