Did anyone else receive a No on Measure U flyer which spoke about the fact that Sebastopol will receive money from Measure H and also get a parcel tax of $275 when/ if there is consolidation? It looks like there will be plenty of money for fire. Also, you forgot to mention that Gurney, Glass and Rich - all the same people who voted to remove the hotel revenue from Sebastopol, which at this point is $1.6 million and counting (more than enough to cover the current deficit) - all are paid supporters of Measure U. Is there any reason to trust these people as they are the very same people who drove the town (and in Glass's case the Art Center, too) into financial ruin? Why did they give away critical revenue when Sebastopol's budget is so small? Why didn't they fund roads, police and fire? Why did they drive the water and sewer enterprise funds into ruin and did not keep up with infrastructure repair? Nothing in Measure U prevents these same types of financial mismanagement and misuse of public funds. Measure H is in place for funding the fire department. That was already voted on and we are already paying for it. There is no binding plan for Measure U. Maybe to pay Union salaries since they donated so much money? Big signs = Big money but what does it really mean for Sebastopol except for having the highest tax rate in Sonoma County? 10.25%
First, a big thank you to the Rotarians for their volunteer work enhancing Libby Park, and to Trashlantis for bringing joy to our community this weekend.
Regarding the Times' coverage of the council race: characterizing it as "not hotly contested" and focusing on campaign sign numbers misses substance of this election. The candidates are dedicating significant time and energy to serve our city. Using campaign financing as the primary metric for electoral viability undermines our democratic ideals, especially when we're trying to reduce the influence of money in politics.
For clarity, I have positioned 35 signs thoughtfully throughout Sebastopol, including 12 pieces created by a local artist - a choice that reinforces my commitment to fostering arts and community vibrancy. Whether Kee or I succeed, it won't be because we ran low-budget campaigns. Our investment has been in time and meaningful community connections, which is exactly what our small town needs.
I've raised $1,500, demonstrating my ability to manage resources effectively while focusing on what matters most - engaging with our community.
Hey Phill - I grant you your point about the signs. I see your signs all over town and they look great. On the issue of substance, I would simply point to our ongoing, in-depth coverage of every city council candidate forum and other issues which readers can find here: https://www.sebastopoltimes.com/p/a-mostly-local-sebastopol-election
Did anyone else receive a No on Measure U flyer which spoke about the fact that Sebastopol will receive money from Measure H and also get a parcel tax of $275 when/ if there is consolidation? It looks like there will be plenty of money for fire. Also, you forgot to mention that Gurney, Glass and Rich - all the same people who voted to remove the hotel revenue from Sebastopol, which at this point is $1.6 million and counting (more than enough to cover the current deficit) - all are paid supporters of Measure U. Is there any reason to trust these people as they are the very same people who drove the town (and in Glass's case the Art Center, too) into financial ruin? Why did they give away critical revenue when Sebastopol's budget is so small? Why didn't they fund roads, police and fire? Why did they drive the water and sewer enterprise funds into ruin and did not keep up with infrastructure repair? Nothing in Measure U prevents these same types of financial mismanagement and misuse of public funds. Measure H is in place for funding the fire department. That was already voted on and we are already paying for it. There is no binding plan for Measure U. Maybe to pay Union salaries since they donated so much money? Big signs = Big money but what does it really mean for Sebastopol except for having the highest tax rate in Sonoma County? 10.25%
First, a big thank you to the Rotarians for their volunteer work enhancing Libby Park, and to Trashlantis for bringing joy to our community this weekend.
Regarding the Times' coverage of the council race: characterizing it as "not hotly contested" and focusing on campaign sign numbers misses substance of this election. The candidates are dedicating significant time and energy to serve our city. Using campaign financing as the primary metric for electoral viability undermines our democratic ideals, especially when we're trying to reduce the influence of money in politics.
For clarity, I have positioned 35 signs thoughtfully throughout Sebastopol, including 12 pieces created by a local artist - a choice that reinforces my commitment to fostering arts and community vibrancy. Whether Kee or I succeed, it won't be because we ran low-budget campaigns. Our investment has been in time and meaningful community connections, which is exactly what our small town needs.
I've raised $1,500, demonstrating my ability to manage resources effectively while focusing on what matters most - engaging with our community.
Hey Phill - I grant you your point about the signs. I see your signs all over town and they look great. On the issue of substance, I would simply point to our ongoing, in-depth coverage of every city council candidate forum and other issues which readers can find here: https://www.sebastopoltimes.com/p/a-mostly-local-sebastopol-election