Dear Ones,
There are some differences between the incumbent and I. Enough that I decided to once again become a candidate for Fifth District Supervisor. My motivation is simple, I care enough for the land use and community form we build to want to preserve that form into the future. That includes conservation, preservation, good planning; fixing roads, a basic duty of government; and, making government work for the people. I find that not only the incumbent but the entire Board of Supervisors have lost vision when it comes to doing the people's business. In the campaign we deserve debate, not simply photographic opportunities. Compare our websites [Ernie's vs. Efren's] and you will know that I want to deal with the issues and not the fluff of persuasion.
Here are some defining issues.The vote is the best way to judge performance as it doesn't lie.
- He was the swing vote on the Dutra Asphalt Plant (3-2) General Plan Amendment that allowed an asphalt plant in a biotic area against the wishes of 1,000's of people; Petaluma and five other cities; and even the Press Democrat.
- The Best Family Winery LLC was a big vote because it dropped a huge winery that grows 2 acres of grapes into a residential neighborhood. This too took a General Plan amendment. If you cannot rely on the GP to protect your life style, why have planning?
The roads are going to rubble. This is the policy considered by the Board and deferred until after the election. It is called "Roads to Rubble". Baffling how the County could even consider this as a policy. The Road Department Budget was decreased from $7.4 to $4.3 million during his three years. Meanwhile, the County Campus is spending millions on buildings, parking lots, and irrigation systems. During that same time the pension fund liability has increased from $105 million to $353 million. My complaint is they are two years slow on getting this budget breaker fixed.
- Lastly, after decisively proclaiming that " I am against gravel mining in the River 100 percent. No gravel mining in the River. Period" in Monte Rio in 2008, he not only voted for Syar to reenter the River, he voted to amend the Aggregate Mining Ordinance in 2010 to increase the term of the permits from five to fifteen years! Syar is one of his big contributors. This is not the quality of a Fifth District Supervisor.
I oppose forest to vineyard conversions and will work to get the restrictions in place to address this growing issue. I am not afraid to stand up to big money interest. So far the incumbent's record is bad in this department.
Lastly, I have the knowledge, experience, and energy to get the job done. I have no power or ego needs here. I am passionate about our Fifth District and not letting it slip away, project by project, Ordinance amendment by Ordinance amendment. I know government is always working for someone, I want it to work for you the people, our children, and our children's children. In order to know who it is working best for now, follow the money. Hint, you can start with the incumbent's 70-page contribution disclosure. [Here are all of Efren's campaign documentation.]
Ernie Carpenter
Candidate for Fifth District Supervisor
erniecarpenter.com