Sebastopol's Future Is In Your Hands
As we approach Election Day, I wanted to share my experiences of the past six months. I was initially a reluctant candidate for the Sebastopol City Council. I felt that standing up for what I believed in by opposing the CVS/Chase project was doing enough. When I saw the emerging mix of candidates for this election, it became apparent to me that someone else needed to step forward to represent the voices of the progressive and environmental communities; people that love the look and feel of Sebastopol- people like you and me. I realized that bigger issues were at stake, and that all of my (our) previous efforts and the character of our town would be in jeopardy if candidates that I believe to be sympathetic to “anything goes” development prevailed. I waited for this “someone else” to arrive, but no one showed up. So, somewhat late in the game, without much of a plan, no name recognition, little money and lacking a “machine”, I naively announced my candidacy.
I was shocked by how many people approached me and wanted to know more. Why was I running? What did I believe in? Beyond CVS/Chase, what else was I concerned about? It was a really fast ride. To this day, I am humbled by the extent to which I was embraced by those who really didn’t know me. I took a chance on running for City Council, and they took a chance on me.
Initially, it was only my partner, Marsha Sue Lustig, and me. We were it- the “campaign committee.” People quickly came to our aid and joined forces with us. Many meetings were held. Advice, editing, introductions, endorsements, graphics preparation, walking, a website, Facebook page and many other forms of assistance came our way- all without cost. Fundraisers were hosted and an amazing level of financial support from local citizens and businesses started to build; sometimes a few dollars, sometimes many. It all mattered and kept us going. None of this could have ever occurred without the help of many of you.
As I set out walking door to door, I knew that we were on the correct side of this ideological divide by the warm reception that I experienced. Many residents expressed their frustration and feelings of being ignored. They demonstrated solidarity with my message and the goals that I hoped to achieve. Our town is dear to them and they refuse to have it diminished by mediocre, auto-centric development. They know that there are better solutions available and finding those solutions is important to them. The first few campaign signs went up, and then the requests poured in for more and more.
As forums were held, the widely-held perceptions of the philosophical differences between the candidates were only reinforced. The “Letters to the Editor” pages became the battleground of opinions. Ad-hoc “slates” were formed as a result, defining even more clearly the choices one had to make in this City Council election.
Make no mistake; this is a very important election. Your participation and your vote are critical. The composition of the next City Council will have a profound effect on the look, feel and function of Sebastopol for decades to come. The issue we face is the future path that we will choose, and how this choice will be reflected in our General Plan update. In a moment of fear, will we chase the “almighty buck”, and open the door to the slow decay of our town into “Generica”? Or will we take the more difficult and patient, but, ultimately, more rewarding path of protecting and nurturing the unique sense of place that we call home? The CVS/Chase project is merely illustrative of the type of development that each of the various candidates feels is acceptable or unacceptable. Do you want a future comprised of more of these types of projects or is it time to say, “Not in my town.”?
If you value:
- preserving and enhancing our existing downtown,
- local businesses over increased corporate presence,
- aesthetically-responsible development that makes efficient use of our precious land and reflects our Main Street,
- planning philosophies that accord pedestrians, bicyclists and people of all abilities equal status as cars and
- economic vitality through attraction of the types of businesses that we want and need,
then join with me to start the process of realizing our vision for Sebastopol; I will be honored to serve you. Talk to your friends and tell them to talk to their friends. If you live outside Sebastopol, talk to your friends who can vote in this election. Be informed, show up and have your voice heard.
Together, we can do great things.
Vote for John Eder and Robert Jacob on November 6.
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Re: Sebastopol's Future Is In Your Hands
Thank you John! We agree, and that's why we progressive Sebastopol parents at Progressive Sebastopol (printable full recommendation guide attached and at www.ProgressiveSebastopol.com) strongly endorse both you and Robert :heart:
with these words:
This City Council race provides a critical opportunity to vote for two candidates who represent a truly local, green future for our unique city. In their experience as community and business leaders who actively opposed the unpopular CVS development at the crossroads of our community, Robert Jacob and John Eder argued articulately against the ill-advised overturning of our City’s Design Review Board.
Through their actions on CVS and leaf blowers, opposing candidates Kathleen Shaffer and Kathy Austin have shown themselves to be unduly influenced by mega-corporations, developers, and large landowners, at the expense of Sebastopol’s citizens and ecology. Progressive Sebastopol believes that the vision that Robert Jacob and John Eder have for our city’s future is better suited for a thriving, locally sustainable economy.
