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Do I have her name right? What do people think about her for our 5th District Supervisor? I received a call from someone promoting her, the young woman on the phone was unable to pronounce "Sebastopol" which made me suspect she was from an out of town campaign company. Barrie
Since your first question has to do with her name, the correct spelling is Lynda.
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Posted in reply to the post by Barrie:
There's more information about Lynda on this thread, including posts by her as she tussled with Ernie Carpenter, and on her campaign's website.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Barrie:
I attended her campaign kickoff event last month and I was generally impressed. She called for a "new new deal" for Sonoma County, though i can't remember her specific proposals.
I look forward to hearing more from Lynda and I think she will be a strong candidate.
Lynda describes herself as a "progressive." She attended the Morro Bay meeting of the Calif. Coastal Commission and was present when they came to Sebastopol. She is concerned about land use issues. Lynda is half the age of the other main candidate. She and her family farm and she has two young children.
I hope this is a clean campaign by all sides. We need more young people running for political office, even if they do not win the first time out. We need to think beyond this election and imagine the future that we would like to have in not only the next few years but beyond that here in our beloved Sonoma County, in my opinion.
I have read what Lynda has written in the past and heard her speak at Board of Supervisors meetings. She is articulate in both what she says and writes. She strikes me as an intelligent, caring person. She was the first candidate to bravely step forward.
If you want to hear all the 5th District Supervisor candidates, come to the April 28, Thursday, Candidates Forum at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts at the Vets Building on High Street. All candidates who filed on time have been invited. Doors open at 6:30 for the 7 p.m. event, which may fill the auditorium with some 200 people. The forum is sponsored by KOWS-FM radio--an example of the local community broadcasting that it offers--and Preserve Rural Sonoma County, which also has a primary issue in land use issues. It should be an informative and educational evening.
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Posted in reply to the post by Barry:
According to Noreen Evans' office, the Sonoma County Alliance PAC "made of developers, landowners, and banks" has endorsed Lynda Hopkins.
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Posted in reply to the post by Barrie:
Don't we get it yet? There are gangs of peeps "co-opting" and training the "refugees" to speak English, to call people and tell them any number of outlandish things, to gain info. Three times I've gotten calls about grants from the generous government. and Three times other telemarketers who can't even get to the end of the first sentence of their script before they bungle it, usually by breaking out in uncontrollable giggles!!! These are not professional people representing anything valid!
However, in this instance, my intuition tells me Lynda is not using these tactics. I believe in her message, altho I was unable to go to her open public intro. at the Veterans' hall recently.
Let's all get behind her courage and determination to DO something about the things we care about. And to DO it because she knows we are ONE. She wants to help.... Let's give her the opportunity and support to see what she can DO with all our hopes and dreams for our way of life to prevail... at least here, where we live and work and have our BEings!
(Sermon for the Day!)
Rev. Allorrah Be, CAHt.
PS I haven't met her or talked to her or received anything for these words... they just poured out of me, as my Truth. :heart:
Thanks, this is the sort of info I was seeking. How does a young woman get the money to hire a professional service to call people to convince them to vote for her? Developers, landowners, and banks might be funding her. I don't know yet, but this is the type of information we need to keep track of. She could be great! Barrie
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Posted in reply to the post by Donna LaGraffe:
Similar thing happened with me. Lynda sure does appear to have a lot of money for a newcomer to our district.
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Posted in reply to the post by Barrie:
Well, Noreen Evans also has "the courage and determination to Do something about the things we care about" and the experience and knowledge needed to get these things done. And the energy. Yes, she's older than Lynda--sooooo? And as has been pointed out:
"the Sonoma County Alliance PAC "made of developers and banks" has endorsed Lynda Hopkins. Right away that should put up large warning signs to those of us who work to protect the wide open wild spaces here that we love. I look forward to voting for Noreen Evans.
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Posted in reply to the post by Allorrah Be:
I think that age does make a difference, being 71-years-old, and feeling more aches and pains. Noreen Evans has the advantages of being in her 60s, which include, in her case, maturity, experience, and wisdom. Lynda Hopkins will be in her 40s, after the hopeful win of Noreen in this election and possibly the next election. Such mid-life years can be full of contributing to one's society, once one has learned from those who did so at all ages.
My political philosophy is guided by considering the future, as well as the present. Lynda Hopkins has a detailed article in the current Sonoma County Gazette, which could help answer the question that initiated this thread.
It appears true that Lynda accepted money from the so called "Bosco boys." That is not enough to condemn her. As a former Sebastopol mayor pointed out to me, Bosco contributes to the Center for Climate Protection and other such environmental causes, he being an apparent moderate Democrat, though certainly not my cup of tea. As an old, old saying goes, "politics makes for strange bed fellows."
I have endorsed, donated to, and volunteered to work only on Noreen's campaign. Especially during this March month of celebrating women, let's welcome young women into the electoral fray, and think about what each of them can contribute, not only now, but in the years to come.
In terms of "those of us who work to protect the wide open wild spaces here that we love," Lynda has been doing just that. I have heard her do it before the current Board of Supervisors, in what she writes, and in the meetings she goes to. She is a farmer and land use is a major concern of hers.
Before allowing our appropriate enthusiasm for Noreen to lead to casting warnings against another candidate, I think some research into that candidate's positions would be helpful. Reading the Gazette article by Lynda and her response a few weeks ago to an attack in Sonoma West would be informative.
Following are Lynda Hopkins own words, rather than the speculations of her detractors. Her article “The Fight for Food Farms: The Crisis of Affordability” appears in the March issue of the SoCo Gazette.
I draw your attention to the people she quotes, which includes young farmers, such as Evan Wiig of the Farmers Guild and the Sebastopol Grange, as well as Tim Page of Farmers Exchange of Earthly Delights Sonoma (FEED) and Carmen Snyder of the SoCo Farm Trails.
Lynda addresses the important issue of affordable housing and the need to “support a diversified agricultural economy.” As a food farmer here for the last 24 years, these issues are of paramount concern to me. I hope they are also to most of you. Why attack a person with such values? Let’s at least have a civil, evidence-based discourse during this campaign, whichever candidate you support.
https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/...icle-4968.html
March 1, 2016, Sonoma County Gazette
The Fight for Food Farms: The Crisis of Affordability, By Lynda Hopkins
Nine years ago, when I started farming in the Russian River Valley, I could count the number of my fellow young farmers on one hand. Today, bountiful produce stands overseen by young farmers fill our farmers markets. New farm names pop up on local restaurant menus every season.
Food farms play a central role in our agricultural marketing as well as our community ethos. And yet the question remains: is food farming sustainable in Sonoma County? Will the young farmers who are selling Tuscan Kale hand over fist at the Sebastopol market still be there five years from now?
None of us knows. But unless we act as a community to protect our small farms, issues of affordability will eventually price farmers and farmworkers out of the County.
“Sonoma County is flush in farmers markets, farm-to-table restaurants and an overarching ethos of supporting local agrarians growing healthy food,” said Farmers Guild Executive Director Evan Wiig. “However, we still import the vast majority of our food from outside the county. Divide up the total acres of vegetables grown here, for instance, among the total population and each of us has only a six by six foot plot from which to harvest.”
Food farmers represent a minority of our agricultural community. Over time, economics have shifted our agricultural economy away from dairies, orchards, ranches, and row crops. In 2014, the total value of our row crops represented a mere two percent of the winegrape total value. Cattle and calves equaled 2.7 percent of the winegrape total. Dairy fared better, at 18 percent.
“Most of the farmers I know have to work second jobs, in addition to the tremendously demanding work of farming, in order to make ends meet. I wish this most venerable vocation were more appropriately valued and supported,” said Carmen Snyder, Executive Director of Sonoma County Farm Trails.
The bottom line: everyone living in Sonoma County must eat. We live in a place in which year-round food growing is possible. Our local farmers can produce everything from vegetables to heirloom grains, from sheep milk cheese to grassfed beef, from microgreens to Gravenstein apples. As a community, we value sustainability and resilience. So, how can we produce more local food?
Our County needs policies that directly support a diversified agricultural economy. Diversified agriculture starts from the ground up – but not the ground you might be thinking of. To grow local food, we first need affordable housing.
“The skyrocketing cost of rent and housing is hugely prohibitive, in particular for new farmers just getting started, but also to established farmers who want to provide their employees with a living wage, but can barely afford to live here themselves,” Evan Wiig said.
Solving the affordable housing crisis will take collaboration between the County of Sonoma and our nine incorporated towns and cities. For young working families, the situation is urgent. We need a systems-wide approach to this crisis that involves not only the creation of new affordable units – infill and transit-oriented development, of course, not sprawl – but also consideration of a housing trust model to offer rent subsidies and mortgage assistance for homebuyers.
Affordable housing for the workforce is only the first part of the puzzle. When asked what the top concern facing farmers is, Carmen Snyder answered, “Access to affordable land. Sonoma County is largely cost-prohibitive.”
Aspiring food farmers simply cannot afford to purchase agricultural land. And even successful, established farmers may have a hard time passing their land down to the next generation. To help tackle this challenge, the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District should consider utilizing affirmative agriculture easements.
Unlike traditional easements, which purchase development rights from private property owners, affirmative ag easements include an additional stipulation that the property be actively farmed. (The easement can stipulate the type of farming, such as row crops, orchard, or ranching.) In exchange, the property owner receives a payment, and the value of the land decreases – because potential buyers are limited to people who want to actively farm the property. In some models, easement payments are spread out over time so that future generations or owners can benefit.
Affirmative ag easements have been used successfully to maintain agricultural greenbelts around cities. They have also been used to support productive agriculture in counties facing skyrocketing real estate prices – and to increase the availability of agricultural land for purchase or lease by aspiring farmers.
Is it worth it to invest in productive local agriculture, just as we have invested in open space? The farmers, restaurants, grocers, wholesalers and non-profits who comprise our local food system believe that feeding our community does more than fill bellies. Engaging our community in how their food is grown promotes a healthy diet. Community gardens and you-pick farms encourage exercise. Sustainable agriculture offers wildlife habitat and can sequester carbon from the atmosphere, mitigating climate change. Food farms, in all their glorious diversity – whether they produce dairy or eggs, meat or fruit, vegetables or grains – maintain a resilient agricultural fabric: polyculture, not monoculture.
Tim Page, owner of Farmers Exchange of Earthly Delights Sonoma (F.E.E.D. Sonoma), noted that a local food system isn’t just about us: it’s about the next generation.
“Our children will ‘inherit’ a food system that is better than the way we found it… This is 100 percent the intention I set everyday as steward at F.E.E.D. Sonoma. We are all indigenous to this planet, and when we work for the children to come, we live up to our own potential as keepers of wisdom.”
I’m not sure I can live up to the title “keeper of wisdom,” but I would certainly like our children to inherit a County that is agriculturally diverse, affordable, and vibrant. These policies are just a start, and this conversation is just getting started. To continue the dialogue, feel free to email me. And don’t forget to support your local farmers by shopping at the markets or joining a local CSA.
[email protected]
Thanks for posting this excellent article, Shepherd. It certainly gives me much food for thought. I will have to look more deeply into Lynda Hopkins now. It seems that we have two very thoughtful women running for 5th district sup. Which is a good way to bring up the important issues facing our west county.
Lilith
I'm curious about her connection (if any) to Hopkins River Ranch? (& possible wine industry ties?). Does anyone know? Hopkins River Ranch = 8300 Eastside Road (according to EveryVine website) and Foggy River Farm = 8291 Eastside Rd (according to their website). I've heard a lot of people allude to the fact that she's not a wine industry insider, so I'm now curious...
Lynda's father-in-law apparently owns that winery. Both female candidates have "wine industry ties," as do most successful Sonoma County politicians, who receive donations from the wine industry.
I have been struggling against the wine industry's over-development since 2001 and currently through Wine & Water Watch (www.winewaterwatch.org). There are many good grapegrowers and wineries in SoCo, especially the organic and genuinely sustainable ones who do not have large event centers. I like wine, as well as micro-breweries that make good beer. Being an "insider" should not automatically disqualify a candidate, especially if she is progressive and an environmentalist, in my opinion.
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Posted in reply to the post by MsMeh:
It is also possible that Lynda herself has nothing to do with the phone calls. Her endorsers (who she may or may not be happy to have endorsing her) or a PAC could be doing research... there are several possibilities.
Incidentally, the California state legislature is working on the DISCLOSE Act (again!), which requires the identity of the top 3 funders for a snail-mail piece be clearly shown. Obviously nothing of this nature is in effect for the phone calls.
Much can be understood by learning who is endorsing who, and who is working for the candidates. Guilt by association holds true in the realm of politics. Cheap is talk these days, so words like sustainable, environmentalist, organic and such, needs close examination.
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Posted in reply to the post by Shepherd:
Excellent observation. This is particularly true when the candidate has no track record or history as an elected official.
Lynda Hopkins, like any candidate, has the option of publicly disavowing an endorsement, asking organizations to NOT endorse her, and/or returning contributions from unsavory sources... like the ones from "the Bosco boys." Hopkins is starting to seem more than a tad naive -- quite disappointing!
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Posted in reply to the post by Richard Nichols:
That is correct. She is also endorsed and being mentored by Eric Koenigshofer who groomed Efren for the job.
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Posted in reply to the post by Donna LaGraffe:
There is also a candidates forum at the SR demo club dinner this Wed night. Reservations required.
See: https://www.waccobb.net/forums/showt...ndidates-Forum
Lynda does "talk" about those issues and I'm sure she is a very nice person. But Noreen has written and passed legislation to protect our coast, our parks, our homeowners (her bill of rights for homeowners). Noreen has a huge bank of knowledge, experience and a track record representing us for years. Go to her Facebook page to learn about many of the issues she has worked for on our behalf.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Shepherd:
https://www.facebook.com/NoreenforSupervisor/
Also, Noreen is not backed by the real estate and developer PACs that will be spending big money to support Lynda - as well as the big wineries and grape growers and Farm Bureau.
And the scary part is that these groups will form "independent expenditure" PACs and spend lots of money to smear Noreen without having to give to Lynda directly. Watch for it..... It is kind of sad, because I think Lynda started out with the best of intentions, but now that these good old boys are pouring money her way, things have changed.
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Posted in reply to the post by Glia:
I try not to think about her. I think about the future of the Fifth District and the County. Do we need another untried person who moved into the District to seek office? How did that work out with Carrillo?
He was moved in by the Bosco Boys. Hopkins was encouraged by the Fourth District Supervisor James Gore whom she worked for in his campaign, to move into the Fifth. Gore, Farm Bureau, the build 'em up developers group The Alliance, endorsed her within a nanosecond. Two other candidates on the development end of the political spectrum dropped out and endorsed her. We do not need this ethic in the Fifth. We need someone who can fight for services out West, protect our open spaces, and is not beholding to another Supervisor on road money or land use decisions.
So, we vote for an inexperienced person, carpetbagger, beholding to special interest, two young children at home, who misrepresents herself? Hopkins has an organic vegetable garden but apparently supports GMOs. This is why I am for Noreen. We know she will protect our land use and values. Noreen Evans is a problem solver who will fight for us starting Day 1. And, successfully.
Outside of county real estate interests spend $130,000 on Independent Expenditures sinking Debora Fudge in the North County race last year (that's only ONE pro-sprawl development special interest!). Big money came in from LA, and the National Association of REALTORS. It's too bad- I wish the candidate in question had moved to Windsor to run instead of into the 5th district, she'd probably have made a good Town Council member, and showed the public what she can do. Instead, we're left to wonder, and have only past experience with her endorsers, which is NOT GOOD.
I'm proudly voting for Noreen Evans- just like I did in 2010 when she ran for State Senate to represent OUR DISTRICT, where Evans earned 75% of the vote! #ShesForUs
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Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:
I certainly agree that Noreen Evans is the candidate to vote for in this election and hopefully in the next, if she runs again, as I have written above. What I do not agree with is dismissing and demonizing Lynda Evans. Some people may not want to think about young women running for office, which contributes to so few running. Some of the best people do not run for office, because of such negative campaigning.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Ernieman:
It is simply too simplistic, in my opinion, to dismiss Lynda simply on the basis of where she gets some of her support. I am certainly not asking anyone to vote for Lynda, which is why I endorsed and donated to Noreen's campaign, as I have said. Let Noreen win on the basis of her substantial merits and not have her followers attack Lynda because she is a young mother and inexperienced in politics and call her names like "carpetbagger," using the rhetoric of those against Noreen. Shouting down someone is not likely to win them over to one's way of thinking, and away from developers. By the way, Lynda and her husband are farmers, not gardeners. They earn their living from their farming.
Please read the Gazette article that Lynda wrote, which I posted in this thread. It reveals her thinking about land use and does not appear to be written as a campaign piece. She writes about the importance of "a diversified agricultural economy," "affordable housing," "engaging our community in how their food is grown," "the next generation," the need "to support your local farmers," etc. She quotes people from the Farmers Guild, the Grange, Farm Trails, and FEED, not developers. These are groups and values that I respect and share. What about you? Lynda and her family seem to live these values. I doubt that she is perfect, but at least she does not seem to engage is such negative campaigning, which seems unnecessary in this case.
I learned "good guys/bad guys" thinking from my military training, and do not feel that it is appropriate in this situation. Politics is more complicated than such rigid either/or thinking and could benefit from some both/and reasoning. Those who "try not to think" about their favored candidates opponents should consider doing such thinking, if they are really interested in "the future."
It is too bad that Dennis Rosatti dropped out of the race, leaving us with a choice between Hillary Rodham Clinton Local Edition and a big question mark who is starting to smell poorly.
Shepherd,
There is nothing untrue regarding my comments. Negativity in politics is about telling untruths.This is a thread that calls for opinion. You have my opinion. I do not want another interloper in the Fifth after Mr. Carrillo. Ms. Hopkins has taken the same path moving into the District in 2015.
On another note, you do not have to personally do "good guy, bad guy" thinking or indulge in simplistic" thinking. My thoughts are my own. I hold my own in history, politics, the world and a few other topics. As to thinking, I would love to blow your local proposition up to the national level: do you believe the Trump quotes? You believe what he writes and says? Do you have the same standard for Trump that politics "is more complicated" and we should listen to his stuff. That, he is not a "bad guy". That his positions are due "more reasoning". If so, you are bigger than me.
Ernie
Ernie,
Now you compare this young woman to the fascist Trump and imply that Lynda Hopkins is a "bad guy." That is outrageous. Trump quotes the fascist Italian Mussolini and welcomes KKK support and that of other white supremacists. I do trust that those positions represent him. What evidence do you have that Lynda is Trump-like?
Have you even met Lynda Hopkins, as I have? Have you had a non-threatening, non-antagonistic conversation with her? Have you even seen her in action or read what she writes? I dare you to look her in the eyes. Once you do due diligence, I would invite you to provide evidence for your words, rather than just slinging them as a sword. Persuasive "opinion" is better when it is based on facts, rather than hatred.
What you have engaged in here is a classic ad hominem personal attack on an individual, not on her opinions and ideals. I invite you to step down from the superior throne on which you have installed yourself.
You do not serve your worthy candidate Noreen Evans or our electoral process well with your insults. Your negativity is harmful, not only to Lynda, but to other young people who might consider entering politics, without the kinds of slings and arrows that some would throw at them, attempting to silence people willing to enter a democratic, yet respectful of differences, process.
Shephard,
Don't be stupid. I am not comparing Hopkins to Trump. I used Trump as an example of your logic. If you use it for Hopkins, then shouldn't you use it for Trump? Are you, for instance condemning those who attack Trump? It is about you logic which takes you to bad inference. I usually say what is on my mind and it doesn't need much interpretation. It is your throne and thread. Please don't ask for opinion if you don't want it. I have my own guru by the way and I speak for my self. By the way the term is "high horse", came right out of the political textbook.
Ernie Carpenter
Lynda Hopkins is backed by the same good old boys who brought us Efren Carrillo. Supported and endorsed by the real Estate PAC and Sonoma County Business Alliance PAC and Eric Koenigshafer. Noreen Evans has a long record of providing strong advocacy for the West County and the environment.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Barrie:
Lisa, I think it's a bit different.
A few years ago Noreen Evans came back to the county from the State Senate in Sacramento with a considerable war chest and many political friends who have supported her career in politics from Santa Rosa City Council, to State Assembly, to State Senate.
Lynda Hopkins was the first to enter the race for 5th District Supervisor without the backing of much anybody at that time
Rather than going back to law practice and mentoring young, smart and progressive candidates like Lynda Hopkins, Noreen Evans chose to run herself again for a local office, backed by well-meaning establishment people my age (60-70+).
Forces from yesteryear, but with deep pockets themselves, and historically opposed to Evans, then decided to back Hopkins who was not too happy with that either, but with the establishment within the Democratic Party machine already committed to Evans and with the size Evans's war chest she could not flatly refuse that backing either.
Hopkins will be a fine, progressive supervisor for the 5th District who will bring more diversity to the Board of Supervisors. But she needs the support of progressive independents and progressive organizations outside the establishment.
I support Lynda Hopkins. She has great ideas and energy to bring to politics in Sonoma County and will make the BoS a better and more interesting and diverse body.
And we both hold degrees from Stanford :wink:
Zeno, I must correct some of your assumptions. Largest of them is that Noreen did NOT come back with some sort of "war chest". She actually came home with some debt. She immediately resumed her law practice in order to support herself. (No pensions for state legislators no matter how long they have worked there.) oh and I don't think Lynda has any shortage of funds based on two full color mailings and so many signs of all sizes all over the district.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Zeno Swijtink:
I'm not sure what you refer to as the "democratic machine" but the Bosco-koenigshofer machine is behind Lynda and I do believe they still call themselves Democrats.
I'm rather surprised that you are discounting Noreen's impressive track record at backing and fighting for the causes so important to us here in the fifth district. Marty
No Zeno,
I'm glad you both went to Stanford but What does it say when Lynda Hopkins, a candidate running for office in Sonoma County where rents are increasingly out of reach for workers, hires farm workers for 10.50 an hour with no health care? I guess as long as she calls herself " green" and "organic" then it doesn't matter that she's living large & making six figures while she pays farm workers a pittance. Doesn't it bother you that she is backed by Real Estate interests and opposes rent control? Or that she is using Rob Muelrath ( local republican campaign consultant who ran David rabbits dirty campaign against Pam Torliatt)
Wake up and smell the coffee it's the Bosco Boys and Efren Carrillo all over again. Another bright shiny object to distract you from what's behind the curtain
More Info here.
Zeno is a long-time progressive and activist in various food causes, such as Russian River Slow Food and Sustainability Sonoma State University, from which he has retired. His analysis below is very solid and evidence based, rather than speculative. I want to underline his point that Lynda Hopkins, 32-years-old, was the first candidate to bravely enter this fray. She did, indeed, reluctantly accept the backing and finances that she received.
In terms of the comments by my long-time colleague and friend Ernie Carpenter, I do not appreciate the mud that he has been slinging at Lynda. I enthusiastically endorsed Ernie's last campaign and continue to work with him to contain the over-growth of the wine industry, from which the candidate that I support in this race, Noreen Evans, has also received significant donations over the years.
If you ever wonder why so many young people do not even vote, re-read Ernie's personal attacks on Lynda in this thread. It is hard for me to even get college students to think about voting in a decreasingly democratic system run to benefit the wealthy, even here in Sonoma County. They don't trust us any more, with good reason.
Vote for Noreen, but please do not demonize Lynda. Think beyond merely this current campaign into the future, where Lynda Hopkins could emerge as an important environmentalist/agriculturalist/progressive. We need a more diverse Board of Sups, as Zeno contends.
Well, I dunno about the Stanford thing, I'm a Cal guy. I do think that Evans the establishment candidate and Hopkins is the newcomer. It kinda mirrors the national election a bit. I think we should just get rid of the old guard and let the new blood in. I'm all in for Lynda, unless she convinces me otherwise. Vote the establishment out. By the way, I haven't heard one utterance from Noreen Evans, is she really running?. Have I missed something or does she just take us for granted?Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Zeno Swijtink:
reading about Lynda vs Noreen, & the concern for dialog turning ugly.
think we can do better than this for discussion on the 5th district supervisor. how about opinions & facts that might be helpful.
based on what i know, i will be supporting noreen evans. since i know little about Lynda Hopkins, only what i have read on wacco & in the sonoma west times, i have much to do before i can make an informed decision.
feel better for outting myself as a hillary supporter in a bernie town.
helps to have people i admire on the same team.
I agree with Shepherd's posts on this topic. It seems we have two fine women who would both well represent the 5th District on the Board of Supervisors. Personally, I plan on voting for Noreen Evans because of her considerable experience and proven track record that demonstrates to me she would do a great job of representing my values and with effectiveness in our county. And, from what I observe, Lynda Hopkins, with the courage she is demonstrating by stepping up to be in the mix, shows we have a good "farm team" (to use a baseball term) of next generation leaders in the wings available to represent our West County progressive values. We should celebrate that we have such a good choice.
So let's please cool down with the negative rhetoric. Otherwise, we are mirroring exactly the sort of negativity currently on display in our national politics. We are better than that.
Scott
Thanks for your wise words, Scott. Yes, let's keep it civil and informative.
Lilith
Listening to NPR going on and on about the primaries in Arizona, Idaho, and Utah. Esp. pathetic that there are three hour waits at the polls in Arizona. And these are just the primaries. Oh, and mile long lines in Idaho. Wow.
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Posted in reply to the post by Scott McKeown:
Shepherd, I am sorry but what are you talking about? You think Zeno has "evidence" that Noreen came home from Sacramento with some sort of "War chest". He has completely made this up and it is totally untrue. Noreen came home with campaign debt. So please stop spreading this rumor.
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Posted in reply to the post by Shepherd:
So your opinion, stated as fact, is that hopkins moved to the 5th on the encouragement of gore (ie a carpet bagger), something which she has disputed with you directly here. Do you have any proof that this is a fact? The only thing I have read on wacco which causes me concern about is linda is OK with gmos. True?
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Posted in reply to the post by Ernieman:
Does she have any record working for a living, running a business, and living with the rules and regs that she has and presumably will pass. I personally favor voting for a real-life person who hasn't spent years and years in politics, to such an extend that they forget how their regulations affect real people in the real world. There's a reason we don't have affordable housing; there's a reason that it's practically impossible to start and run a business in this county. I'll have to check between Tom and Lynda, but they are much more appealing than voting for yet another job-hopping politian.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Lisa Maldonado:
Dr. Shepherd,
I go plant my Bodega Reds (Harmony Farm Supply get them now), fix the fence, hang a gate. hang with the pigs for awhile, visit with friends in the sun, go the the gym, the Jewish Film Festival, come home to steamed broccoli, open my computer and geez, I am responsible for young people not voting. Hilarious.Big Smile
Here is a resolution to your issue of "truth and beauty in politics" and what Ernie said:
1) Go over everything I wrote and show me an ad hominem attack or an untruth. List the mud I threw.
2) This elections is for County Supervisor, not Class President, and the swing vote on the Board of Supervisors for land use, services, and "How big can an industrial wine complex be upon agriculture land when they grow few grapes". Hopefully, Hopkins has bigger vegetables than you given what the job entails. One has to fight. No one on the Board is really sympathetic, you have to fight for road money and to pay for fixes be it sewer or water system in your District. What I dish out is lightweight in the political arena.
Noreen stood toe-to-toe with the Terminator(Schwarzenegger) as Chairperson of the Senate Budget Committee. She fought like hell for Sonoma County and the "disenfranchised". Masterful. She will fight like hell to preserve the General Plan and good land use policies, She is not an unknown nor the least bit afraid to take on a challenge.I observed she starts looking for solutions poste haste.
As to this statement by you regarding Hopkins "She did, indeed, reluctantly accept the backing and finances that she received". You really believe that? On a scale of 1-10 how reluctant was she? How much from whom?
Here is a good journalistic effort for you. Some have claimed that she bought a million dollar home when she moved into the District in 2015 and that she bought it on the backs of her workers. Do some meaningful research. It is important because if she pays $10.50/hr as reported, what does that do to the potential vote on the $15/hour before the Board of Supervisors? Did she find housing for the workers as noted in the job description?
This could go on for a good journalist. You could compare to Paul Hobbs wages for instance. Just a thought. I have no idea what Hopkins pays her labor, nor does the public. So, is it $10.50?
Just some thoughts.I finished my broccoli.I hire through Central Laboral in Graton at $15/hr.
Noreen has raised her children, run a small business and lived in Sonoma County for over three decades which is longer than any other candidate. She served this county well in the state legislature, by fighting the Governor when he tried to slash the social safety net for women and children and advocating for our coast and beaches and environment. She's been endorsed by Sonoma Conservation Action and the Sierra Club for many years and many elections. That makes her a dedicated and experienced public servant. If that to you spells "career politician" then by all means vote for someone like Manure Man ( who I am sure has an equally effective and impressive record)Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by spam1:
I believe Ernie is overstating the case. :waccosun:Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Ernieman:
Here's a quote from the March 16th PD article "Ban on GMO crops sought again for Sonoma County":However, Noreen does unequivocally support the proposed GMO ban:
One of the several rivals, Lynda Hopkins, an organic farmer, on Wednesday expressed opposition to GMO crops and support for labeling of products that contain the altered organisms. She said she also signed the petition seeking to put the proposed county ban before voters.
But she stopped short of endorsing a ban, saying she wanted to read through “every single line” of the proposed ordinance before stating her position on it. Supporting the ban would likely put Hopkins at odds with many of her own supporters, including influential and deep-pocketed farming interests. Hopkins did not express concerns about that potential conflict, saying county politics are not “black and white.”
“People try to pigeonhole and assume because you receive support from some organizations that you agree with them lock, stock and barrel,” she said.
She said Wednesday she now supports a ban on GMO plants and crops in Sonoma County, saying there’s no proof that altered crops are completely safe and that there’s potential for such material to “invade other farms.”
To put it mildly. He also seems to be slinging mud about her farm, becoming a homeowner and treatment of farmworkers. As someone undecided it's not helpful. The bos seems most split on labor issues, except for their own pay, which is very high compared to other california County supervisors.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Barry:
Dear Marty,Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:
To answer your question, what I am "talking about" is that Ernie's demonizing Lynda Hopkins is unnecessary and counter-productive for our futures. Zeno may not be totally correct in everything he asserts. None of us are perfect, including myself. My focus is on how Ernie scares off people from entering politics and running for office, especially young people, when they have to deal with his personal attacks and innuendos. Let Noreen win on her considerable merits, which I have said numerous times.
Let's invest in our common futures by running clean campaigns, rather than the dirty campaign that Ernie is running, which clearly alienates many progressives and others. Leave it to Republicans to do that. Such demonizing is counter-productive.
Meanwhile, with the dry weather, I need to focus on farming here on the vineyard that I have operated for 24 years, where I grow mainly boysenberries, as well as some other berries and apples and offer farm tours. I want a supervisor committed to working to protect our farms and rural lands, which I think that Noreen is the best person to do.
And I need to get back to working to contain the sprawl of wineries as event centers which threaten food ag here in Sonoma County. According to the Go Local publication "Made Local," 96% of the veggies and fruit sold in Sonoma County are imported from outside our county. We are facing serious food security issues in our unpredictable future, with global wars continuing to heat up. We are no longer a food ag. county but an alcohol county, the most lucrative wine-producing county in America. Wine grapes are a monocrop that threatens our economy with their boom-and-bust cycle. Those are the issues that I think should be addressed in this campaign, rather than personal attacks, which Noreen has also received.
Lynda is receiving a baptism by fire from Ernie and some other old politicians. I am glad that Noreen is wisely staying out of that fray. Perhaps in 8 years Lynda will run again, and we would have a mid-life, female farmer as a Supervisor. Imagine that. Or some other relatively young person. Lets think about our futures.
Understanding a person does not mean condoning; it only means that one does not accuse him as if one were God or a judge placed above him. -Erich Fromm, psychoanalyst and author (23 Mar 1900-1980)
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Posted in reply to the post by rossmen:
I met with someone on Hopkins behalf very early who is well tied into Gore. They wanted my support. No, I do not need to embarrass another person so you don't get to know who but I had a very personal conversation. I came away clear that Gore, who immediately endorsed her, was promoting her running for Supervisor.
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Posted in reply to the post by rossmen:
Ah, the first equivocations of the young organic farmer candidate and on GMOs no less. She understands the issue and equivocates, just like all the old time politicians. Do not tell me this is not the impact of the endorsement of the conservative farm community that according to Dr. Bliss she "reluctantly" accepted. Blow me down and call me a feather.
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Posted in reply to the post by Barry:
You can learn a whole lot about Noreen at her Facebook page which is loaded with information about her experience, her activities and who is supporting her.
https://www.facebook.com/NoreenforSupervisor/
For some reason Lynda has chosen not to divulge her endorsements. You can see Noreen's full and growing list here:
https://www.noreenforsupervisor.com/supporters
OK gore encouraged her to run and endorsed her right away. My understanding is they were both invloved in the Litton tribes efforts to develop housing just outside of winsor, close to her farm and in gores district, this experience is what inspired her to run.
Your contention was that she bought a house in Forestville with gores urging so she could run in the 5th. She disputed this description of her actions.
From a citizens perspective it's hard to tell the difference between gore, fudge, carrillo, hopkins and evans, they all say the same thing. I don't really follow endorsements, (even yours, whom I consider to be the best supervisor the 5th has ever had). I like to make up my own mind. Hopkins has been accessable, evans is not. As a 5th district resident this is really important to me because the supervisor is my only elected representative for local government which has so much to do with our lives.
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Posted in reply to the post by Ernie Carpenter:
That's the same argument that Donald Trump is using for his campaign. Experience in the private sector "trumps" experience in the government sector. I don't think so... unless serving at the highest level of government in Sonoma County requires no previous experience working in the public sector.
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Posted in reply to the post by spam1:
All the signs for Lynda indicate to me that she's the machine candidate.
Curious if it is true, as stated here on Wacco, that Lynda is pro-GMO's? This doesn't make sense for an organic farmer.
I do not think it accurate to say that Lynda is pro-GMO. Her email is at the bottom of her article "The Fight for Food Farms: Addressing the Crisis of Affordability," which is in both the print and hardcopy version of the March, 2016, Sonoma County Gazette. So you could ask her directly what her position is. I posted that article on this thread and quote from it in other posts.
She also refuted Frank Robertson's attack in his column in a letter to the Sonoma West. A lot of untruths are being spread by various people about Lynda. I am glad that such is not happening to the other woman candidate running for Supervisor.
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Posted in reply to the post by KWilson:
Posted below by Barry - from the PD:
Here's a quote from the March 16th PD article "Ban on GMO crops sought again for Sonoma County":
One of the several rivals, Lynda Hopkins, an organic farmer, on Wednesday expressed opposition to GMO crops and support for labeling of products that contain the altered organisms. She said she also signed the petition seeking to put the proposed county ban before voters.However, Noreen does unequivocally support the proposed GMO ban:
But she stopped short of endorsing a ban, saying she wanted to read through “every single line” of the proposed ordinance before stating her position on it. Supporting the ban would likely put Hopkins at odds with many of her own supporters, including influential and deep-pocketed farming interests. Hopkins did not express concerns about that potential conflict, saying county politics are not “black and white.”
“People try to pigeonhole and assume because you receive support from some organizations that you agree with them lock, stock and barrel,” she said.
She said Wednesday she now supports a ban on GMO plants and crops in Sonoma County, saying there’s no proof that altered crops are completely safe and that there’s potential for such material to “invade other farms.”
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by KWilson:
My appreciation to Marty and Barry for this information. I support a total ban on GMOs, Roundup, and Roundup Ready products. I am glad that Lynda Hopkins is doing her due diligence to study supporting a ban and hope that she does so, as Noreen Evans has.
For more information on the international March Against Monsanto, to which over 2 million people have attended in recent years, including many from Latin America, you can go to www.winewaterwatch.org.
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Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:
And here is something telling:
She [Evans] said Wednesday she now supports a ban on GMO plants and crops in Sonoma County, saying there’s no proof that altered crops are completely safe and that there’s potential for such material to “invade other farms.”
In other words, she put her finger to the wind and changed her position accordingly... a very Hillary Clinton / professional politician tactic.
I think you mean she ( Hopkins) changed her mind. Noreen Evans has been against GMOs publicly for many years. You need to correct your post
No, that is not correct. The quote I reprinted was about Evans. Go back up the thread and re-read.
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Posted in reply to the post by Lisa Maldonado:
You are quoting the newspaper, not Noreen. She has always been opposed to GMO's and fought against them in Sacramento. Here's an article from 2014:
State Sen. Noreen Evans' proposed GMO bill clears another hurdle
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/1...ed?ref=related
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Glia:
Is Noreen Evans aware of WACCO? How about letting Noreen speak for herself?Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:
Sorry, I see no problem with voters speaking up for candidates they support. And here is the full context of the word Now that someone picked out:
"The political veteran in the 5th District race, former state Sen. Noreen Evans, was unsuccessful in a 2014 bid to pass legislation requiring all foods containing genetically modified organisms to be labeled in California. The state’s voters in 2012 narrowly turned down a ballot measure that would have essentially accomplished the same thing.Evans was careful to note back then that her proposed legislation was only about labels, telling fellow lawmakers during a committee hearing that her bill didn’t “ban anything.”
She said Wednesday she now supports a ban on GMO plants and crops in Sonoma County, saying there’s no proof that altered crops are completely safe and that there’s potential for such material to “invade other farms.”
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by jbox:
I'm new to West County, but I've followed local politics for quite a few years. I am especially intrigued by this year's 5th District Supervisor race. I've been following this thread over the past few days and I was compelled to create an account so that I can ask a few clarifying questions. First, why does Lynda not state her position on GMO's?
Well, it took me less than 15 minutes to read the ordinance (https://www.gmofreesonomacounty.com/ordinance); I'm not sure why it has taken Lynda so long to state her position, unless it's because her position is that she supports GMO's. My observation is that she portrays herself as an organic, young, progressive, West County mom/farmer, yet she is backed by the pro GMO, pro business, pro big ag establishment.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Barry:
My second, and last question for right now is if anyone can give me clear explanation of her positions and what she is going to do for Sonoma County, more specifically, West County? It seems she says a lot of buzz words (organic, progressive, young, working together, etc.), but no real substance.
P.S. I got a call the other day and it was from someone who I could barely understand. They seemed to be reading from a script. When I interrupted to ask "Why does Lynda want to be our supervisor?", the person put me on hold for a minute, then got back on the phone and continued reading from the script.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Barry:
I wish someone would just give some clear answers...especially Ms. Hopkins!
I agree with Marty above that having voters, rather than the candidates themselves, speak up makes sense. You will notice that neither of the probably leading candidates, Noreen Evans and Lynda Hopkins, have spoke up on Wacco. [Lynda has posted to waccobb recently - Barry] To do so would be likely to lead to some direct attacks. It seems wiser to let others comment.
On the other hand, the most recent applicant for the job of 5th District Supervisor, Tom Lynch, has spoken up, in what I would consider to be an attack on the leading candidate, Noreen. She and Lynda are wisely staying out of being a direct target of distortion and mud-slinging.
One way to get some direct comments and answers from 5th District Supervisor candidates would be to attend the April 28, Thursday, Candidates Forum at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts on High Street, sponsored by KOWS-FM radio and Preserve Rural Sonoma County. All candidates have been invited. Doors open at 6:30 and the event starts at 7 p.m. Since there is room for only 200 people and this is the most contested local election, people who want to be sure to find a seat might want to arrive early.
Thank you Shepherd...I have retracted the post...
I just am seeing Noreen's campaign resorting early to distortions and mud-slinging, similar to the efforts against Efren in the 2008 campaign, and thought I would give them a taste of what it will be like against them if they don't campaign fairly. I think ultimately what some of the Union supporters call "Meme's" are not fair and will ultimately backfire.
Respect and kind regards to all...
Tom Lynch
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Shepherd:
Tom, give me a break. Give me an example of a personal attack. Specifying who is supporting a campaign is not a personal attack, it is merely fact. I think we need to be done with this mudslinging fantasy and focus on the facts and the issues.
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by riverosprey:
Thank you Marty, for the clarification. So it's ok to say because someone is endorsed by a realtor group, then they must be in favor of evicting tenants, even though they may not be in favor of tenants evictions, and have better ideas about creating more rentals, is ok.
I think some of my statements and concerns about how Noreen's policies have caused great harm to Sonoma County were fair, but perhaps worded poorly, and appeared to suggest she too were be-holding to a special interest, I.e. the first wave of retiring baby boomers who control County management and unions, at the expense of everyone else.
This may have appeared to be an unfair attack on Noreen's personal skills and abilities, and I apologize to anyone that thought so, I will be more diplomatic in the future with my concerns.
Kind regards
Tom Lynch
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:
I am not sure if I will vote for Hopkins, I like what I hear but still need to hear more particularly in implementation but I can guarantee you that I will NEVER vote for Noreen Evans.
The only thing she is interested in is Noreen Evans.
1.In 2009 when CA was in deep financial distress, and the unemployment rate reached over 12%, people losing jobs and losing homes, she boosted her staff's pay by 10% with concerns that they may leave and she wouldn't be able to find help. rukiddingme???
2. PD quote:Evans sparked an outcry in April 2011 when she suggested she would have to resort to hot-air balloons, llamas and other unconventional modes of travel to visit residents of her sprawling North Coast district following a state commission's decision to take away her taxpayer-funded car. In September of the same year she also applied for a seat with the CA Court of Appeal.
3. In 2013 she announced that she would not seek re-election to the Senate, as it was never her intention to become a career politician and her true love was always advocating for justice in the courtroom. Really??? What is your intention today??
It was amazing how quick she moved to Sebastopol when the 5th district position opened up. She is not the person I want to represent me. Would like to hear more from Lynda on exactly how her goals would be accomplished.
Noreen Evans has worked hard for this County and the North Bay for MANY years. If you wish to disregard all that because of the Press Democrat (who hates her environmental activism) CREATED these negative talking points then by all means do so.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by rukiddingme:
For a lot of voters in the 5th District, actual SUBSTANCE matters. The cliches and trite campaign phrases, balloons and greenwashing which comprise the Business/Real Estate/ Hopkins campaign are not going to fool the 5th District.
https://www.facebook.com/NoreenforSu...3148478994015/
>>>]And here is something telling:
>>>>>>She [Evans] said Wednesday she now supports a ban on GMO plants and crops in Sonoma County, saying there’s no proof that altered crops are completely safe and that there’s potential for such material to “invade other farms.”
>>>In other words, she put her finger to the wind and changed her position accordingly... a very Hillary Clinton / professional politician tactic.
To me, that seems wise. Do we want a representative who's responsive to those she represents, or one who comes in with a rigid, unshakeable agenda? I'm aware that we liberals/leftists/children-of-righteousness desire candidates who've supported every one of our ideas since graduating from diapers, but frankly I'd prefer a representative who knows how the process works. When I had my heart surgery, I actually went to an "establishment" heart surgeon, not a plumber who wanted to try something new.
-Conrad
And again, here is the COMPLETE context of that GMO quote. It makes it clear that she first worked on labeling GMO's and now supports a ban. Nothing about her not supporting a ban before.
"The political veteran in the 5th District race, former state Sen. Noreen Evans, was unsuccessful in a 2014 bid to pass legislation requiring all foods containing genetically modified organisms to be labeled in California. The state’s voters in 2012 narrowly turned down a ballot measure that would have essentially accomplished the same thing.Evans was careful to note back then that her proposed legislation was only about labels, telling fellow lawmakers during a committee hearing that her bill didn’t “ban anything.”
She said Wednesday she now supports a ban on GMO plants and crops in Sonoma County, saying there’s no proof that altered crops are completely safe and that there’s potential for such material to “invade other farms.”
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by theindependenteye:
Here is a video of Noreen in her own words on why she is running. The video seems to load very slowly here. Click on the little YouTube icon to watch it there where it plays much better.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJAX...ature=youtu.be
Here is a video of why I'm running for Supervisor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC_pQZ7D014
On the page below you can see more information (and video) about each of issues:
https://tomlynchforsupervisor.com/sonoma-county-issues/
p.s. I challenge all the other candidates to join my friend Supervisor Susan Gorin (fellow Leadership Santa Rosa alumni VIII - 1988) and I, in opting out of the Sonoma County Pension fund (savings of $62000/year). No other elected officials in Sonoma County, city councils, State Assembly or Senate, receive a public retirement benefit. I don't think any elected official should be able to vote on a retirement benefit they themselves receive?
Politics is not an ideal debate form. It has evolved in North American as a peculiar art. Donald Derump has expanded the parameters to dangerous ground. Certainly, politics is not for the faint of heart. It is the language of discourse and discovery.
The adage of"follow the money"( discovery) will show you where the candidate resides more than the discourse itself. Candidate Hopkins is Real Estate PAC, Big Wine, the Alliance (of Development interest) and out-of-district wine dollars. Candidate Evans is labor, organized labor and environmental money. Hopkins apparently has no government experience and is supported by a cadre of Fourth District folks where she recently lived including Big Wine and Supervisor James Gore who himself received a quarter-million dollars of wine industry money. I predict they will share the same Big Wine donors.
Some have thought that yours truly has treated candidate Hopkins unfairly.:hmmm: My best response is to quote President Harry Truman, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!" I followed the money trail. Organic Hopkins must be embarrassed at being compromised by Big Wine. Her voice is less than a whisper on GMOs when she should be a major trumpeter of the ballot measure coming up in Sonoma County.
I wonder where she would come down on the industrialization of agricultural land by Event Centers and the County efforts to open the Coast to these Event Centers. So far she appears to be completely compromised. Some of it is being a green horn I am sure. However, get into bed with big money and this is what happens. Your voice diminishes on the people's desires.
Noreen will stand up to those interest in favor of the people and protect our agricultural land.It is an easy choice given the last newbie we had never met a development he didn't like. Give me the known quantity who shares our values.
Definitions:
Big Wine is the opposite of family farms, usually corporate,often ego driven,too big for compromise, buys politicians and tries to change the rules, including zoning regulations to their advantage;
Event Center:Imports most of wine juice and has commercial kitchens and package sewage treatment plants in ag land in favor of hoards of people and off sale of alcohol instead of growing grapes.
Alas Garbageman Carpenter has joined his mentor Trump, as he becomes a goon for the out of district garbage companies and union thugs supporting out of district carpetbagger Noreen Evans. Yeah, follow the money Ernie as you go door to door slandering young Lynda Hopkins, with a bunch of union drool fed to you. There’s no fool like an old fool eh?
Nobody but Noreen’s trolls are following this thread anymore, but they make you feel important, huh? Because none of the young voters even know who you are, you are irrelevant Earnie, is that why you've become such a slimey, smiley goofball? Have you noticed but Hopkins and the majority of her supporters don’t come here anymore, you’re talking to a wall Ernie, preaching to the choir, you're irrelevant...enjoy you're feelings of self-importance as more and more lose what little respect they used to have for you.
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Posted in reply to the post by Ernieman:
The lady doth protest too much, methinks!
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Posted in reply to the post by maryr45:
It's Ernie. Thanks for the lesson in political morality.
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by maryr45:
yep, nothing like a measured, clear, reasonable argument when trying to win people to your position. I bet Lynda couldn't have hoped for a better endorsement than this one.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by geomancer:
Quote:
Alas Garbageman Carpenter has joined his mentor Trump, as he becomes a goon for the out of district garbage companies and union thugs supporting out of district carpetbagger Noreen Evans. Yeah, follow the money Ernie as you go door to door slandering young Lynda Hopkins, with a bunch of union drool fed to you. There’s no fool like an old fool eh? Nobody but Noreen’s trolls are following this thread anymore, but they make you feel important, huh? Because none of the young voters even know who you are, you are irrelevant Earnie, is that why you've become such a slimey, smiley goofball? Have you noticed but Hopkins and the majority of her supporters don’t come here anymore, you’re talking to a wall Ernie, preaching to the choir, you're irrelevant...enjoy you're feelings of self-importance as more and more lose what little respect they used to have for you
Barry, I can't believe you picked this disgusting personal attack as Barry's Pick! I have lost all confidence in your judgement. I think this person should have been banned.
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by maryr45:
my guess: it showed style and personality. Ernie's a public figure, I'm sure he's had way worse directed his way. I don't think a 'pick' is an endorsement of the ideas...Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:
Not exactly laughing out loud but chuckling. Best attack by an Avatar ever!
Erneman
Yep, ban anyone who is a little frisky, anyone who engages in free speech as long as they disagree with you, Scamperwillow? I called you Noreen's shill, and I stand by that, and I was censored by Barry [I just removed the reference to "shill" ~ Barry] . So you can be happy with that. If Barry bans anyone it should be for a better reason than engaging in free speech. I thought the rant was amusing, as did Ernie.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:
what's that cliche about free speech? "much as I deplore it, I defend your right to (blah, blah, mid-18th century blah equivalent..)"
as you say, Ernie's amused by it. Obviously not all posters are so thick-skinned, so the other cliche about 'fire in a crowded theatre' also applies. Or should.
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Posted in reply to the post by jbox:
There are others in the race besides the two "carpetbaggers". Noreen comes across as the high and mighty progressive entitlement queen, you know more the mistakes she's made than me, pension expansion was a huge fu, and she couldn't handle the big game so now she's back to collect local biggest bucks?
Lynda does seem kind of clueless but is she really an etard? That's a big assumption which you are more qualified to make than me, and you made it really early. It's best to judge by action and hers before her hat toss is short and admirable.
Mm has a long record too, but takes a really bad photo, Sargent and the case worker seem like really decent folks, is the job really that complicated? In recent times there have been only a few really contested votes on the board and I remember you as often being a lone dissenter, holding the torch for a county vision much of which has come to fruition. Is your time past ernie? Is the only evolution to become marin? What are the crucial votes coming before the board which matter and where would you stand? I want your wisdom, so I can decide who to vote for, rather than partisan hackery : (
Your comments are on point and show understanding. Not sure what Noreen had to do with County pension problems. I have traced that back to a certain decision of a lame duck Board of Supervisor. That for another day.
I am not sure that you will find "wisdom" in this thread. I can tell you what matters to me: land use and the General Plan. The industrialization of agricultural land by Big Wine with Event Centers and the over-concentration of same. There is a tremendous impact on neighborhoods and our lives. Get thee to industrial centers for these restaurant-like features and package sewage treatment plants. So far, Noreen is the only candidate that "gets that" and has spoken in favor of agriculture land for agriculture and not industrial agriculture complexes. This does not include what used to be called a "winery" or the family farm. It is the new marketing concept of thousands of people coming to a winery for food services and how to treat their waste and the traffic.
When you look at the duties of a Supervisor, you manage the budget, the employees including retirement, special districts including sewer and water, fire and safety, and other assignments like being the Coastal Commission appointee or the GG Bridge District. Indeed, one can screw up but there is no screw-up by the Board like a bad land use screw up. (See the so-called Best family winery at Occidental and 116 where the Board handed a developer a few million by upgrading the property. It immediately went on the real estate market). Land use is not reversible like a bad decision on employee contracts for instance. An "employee contract" can be renegotiated either way. The industrial Event Center cannot be reversed. The edifice and impact is with us for ever or until it has to be converted to something else.
My decision is based upon a) known quality and experience b) consistency and most importantly, staying with in the rules and not stretching them to fit more development in agricultural land. The human service element is important. Assume for the argument that all candidates want the same for humans in terms of services, then the election is more about land use and community form. That leads me to experience and shared values. That is why I choose Noreen Evans.That is about as non-hackneyed (hackeried?) as I can be in a short space.
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Posted in reply to the post by rossmen:
And don't forget they are also the Board of the Water Agency - a really big important job.
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Posted in reply to the post by Ernieman:
I think that this personal attack is more of the same that was poured on E. Carrillo. Who else will be slimed on these pages?
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Posted in reply to the post by podfish:
In regards this discussion, as a friend would say: "What a clown-show!" Now, who are the clowns, who is the Ringmaster and who are the truly skilled performers?
Bruce Schmidt in Occidental ( I am consistently appalled by the unsigned messages!)
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Posted in reply to the post by Ernieman:
There is a well know saying in Spanish " Dime Con Quien Andas y Te Dire Quien Eres" . Loosely translated this means " tell me who you go with and I'll tell you who you are"
Read the PD article and see why some of the Farm to Table organic rhetoric pushed by the Hopkins campaign is in stark contrast to the people who are backing her (including her Republican consultant Rob Muelrath). The real estate development lobby, big money wineries and the Sonoma County Business Alliance don't back green and progressive candidates. They back those who will support their interests. Wake up and smell the Greenwashing
Field set in pivotal 5th District race for Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Thanks ernie, you consistently educate me, even when you hack. Yes Noreen was not part of the county pension expansion, but I think she did go along with the herd in sr and the state, and still thinks it's not a problem, which is a problem.
Do you think there will be a bos vote to limit winery event centers? What about a vote to buffer vineyard chemical use around schools? How about the county pushing for a deal on frost protection and vineyard water use reporting with the state regional water agency? Could the county push back on reduced summer river flows or is water delivery responsibility a conflict of interest deal killer? Noreen says she wants tent encampments, tiny house villages, just cause eviction and rent control ordinances, are any of these even possible with an evans victory, (I think rent control would be a big mistake)?
I live really close to 116 and occidental and I feel sad that the old orchard was scraped and sits for sale. Is there anything the county could do to encourage a tiny house village there with on site septic and water? My experience is the county does everything it can to outlaw alternative low water use sustainable infrastructure while preaching out its ass a different story!!!! Help us ask better questions of the candidates, what is possible on the bos?
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Posted in reply to the post by Ernieman:
I offer my opponents a bargain; if they stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.
(Adlai Stevenson, 1952)
I will cry "Ouch" or "Uncle". Your questions are all good. I am not the candidate! I suggest going to a candidates forum and April 28th is the KOWS and PRSC candidates night in Sebastopol. Ask the questions directly to all five candidates. I do not know the format but a candidates forum is the best place. On housing, one must use every tool in the tool box but market factors make real estate expensive and what local government can do is limited. I personally, aside from the campaign, will fight against small house villages in agricultural zoning on septic and well. That needs to happen and it can, in sewered areas. There may be ways to integrate small houses in certain zoning. The process for the County to make major changes to planning rules to allow this would take about two years by practicality and law. We all follow the same process, big corporations and individuals. You have to determine which candidate lines up with your values an which can get it done. You know what line I am in.
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Posted in reply to the post by rossmen:
Lynda Hopkins seems like a nice person.
But Here is what I am concerned about:
she is being sponsored by the same business
and developer interests that sponsored Efren.
Lisa,
So by your logic, whomever supports a candidate, be it real estate or business interests, or in the case of Noreen unions, Indian tribes, lawyers, pharmaceutical companies, recycler's, even Monsanto...then that candidate will be in the pocket of those interests, and will represent them at our peril?
Do you think Noreen capable of representing the public interest over your unions and some of her previously shady contributors in the past? I think so...Do I think Hopkins would represent the public over business interests? I think so...
If your strategy is to negatively associate other candidates with their supporters, past and present, I imagine Noreen may not be coming out looking so good.
Must you smear the good name of your Unions with slander and dirt? Why can't we have a clean election based on an honest exchange of ideas?
Maya
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Lisa Maldonado:
Lynda Hopkins seems like a nice person.
But Here is what I am concerned about:
she is being sponsored by the same business
and developer interests that sponsored Efren.
Wow. Thats a lot of 'slander and dirt' for someone complaining about "slander and dirt" . First of all the endorsements and indeed the announcement by the Sonoma County Business PAC is a fact - as is Lynda Hopkin's endorsement by the North Bay Realtors PAC . Your other assertions about who is supporting Noreen Evans are just that- unsubstantiated assertions. Yes Labor does proudly support Noreen because she supports working men and women and in case you haven't noticed- working people are the majority in most communities. The working class keeps the county running- we are not a special interest.
Noreen is also endorsed by Sonoma County Conservation Action and the Sierra Club, more special interests with the nefarious goal of keeping our county and our environment beautiful and affordable. Sorry you find the disclosure of those facts upsetting.
PS. I will try to post below a list of the Sonoma County Business Alliance PAC's members so that you can see who is endorsing Lynda Hopkins and speculate why so many developers and real estate and winery interests have suddenly taken such a keen interest in an organic farmer.
https://sonomacountyalliance.com/pol...ncommittee.php
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Posted in reply to the post by maya:
Thank you Lisa, for that clear and concise analysis. I've been saying to people that part of a decision about who to support should be an analysis of who the endorsees and financially supports candidates. There is absolutely no slander or personal attack involved in pointing any of this out.
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Posted in reply to the post by Lisa Maldonado:
i had the good fortune of meeting Noreen Evans (i went to one of her public meet and greet) and i went there a little bit kicking and screaming.. my good friend asked me to "just try"..lol In particular, i am so disappointed by our present BOS and have witnessed their lack of backbone for awhile now, so i can't imagine anyone being the right person because i often feel people are, in fact, bought and sold before they even sit their butts in the seat up there.
However, Noreen Evans knowledge and breadth of experience does not even compare to Lynda Hopkins. Yeah, i know you have to start somewhere. Yet, when i notice practically every sign of Lynda Hopkins sitting in a vineyard or pretty damn close to them, i'm clearly being told who she aligns herself with. How would she "ever" be able to buck the wine industry...not to mention her family is already quite enmeshed.
She is supported by Efren, and quite frankly, ABSOLUTELY, that is suspect in my book. she is supported by Eric Koenigshofer-the smartest guy in the room-Efren's sidekick, appointed to the Task Force, which virtually rendered any oversight of our Sheriff impotent. she is supported by James Gore- hellooo, Wine, Wine and More Wine-thank you very much....
Yes, maybe, i'm myopic because my interest is accountability and oversight of Law Enforcement but i really believe so many Supervisors are embroiled in the stinky backroom deals that have been paralyzing our County for too long.
Noreen is smart and understands how money flows, not just about how our River flows. (Budgets ARE her expertise) i suppose Lynda Hopkins wants to go off the porch and run with the big dogs- this is not a put down- i'm just saying, there are some damn mean dogs in this County and she seems kinda nice. Lynda Hopkins by the way, never answered my questions about accountability of law enforcement nor did she seem to have a problem with the major lawsuits our county is facing due to ongoing Deputy misconduct. I'm afraid no one gets elected to the Board without the support of Wine, DA, or the Sheriff---the trifecta of corruption!
peace beshiva
Saw them tonight at the Grange . Tim Sargent was there, too. All three of them were thoughtful and knowledgeable. And Noreen was the BEST!
---
[Barry - Video of the Grange event is coming soon! :waccosun:]
New to this site, but wondering why no one is taking about Tim Sergent. He is truly local and seems to state his mind without worrying about who is endorsing who.
https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/...icle-4967.html
I posted the video here.Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Lilith Rogers: