Rural issues dominate first debate in south county supervisor's race

<p>Rural issues were clearly on the minds of more than 120 south county residents who gathered in Petaluma Saturday to hear the four candidates for the 2nd Supervisorial District square off about topics like well water monitoring, zoning restrictions and the 2020 General Plan that governs land use.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>Rural issues were clearly on the minds of more than 120 south county residents who gathered in Petaluma Saturday to hear the four candidates for the 2nd Supervisorial District square off about topics like well water monitoring, zoning restrictions and the 2020 General Plan that governs land use.</p><p>Right off the bat, Penngrove rancher John King presented himself as the candidate most familiar with issues facing residents in the unincorporated county. </p><p>“I am the only candidate that lives in rural Sonoma County,” King said. “I continue to participate in farming.”</p><p>King, who has been involved in long-running legal battles with the county over water issues, said, “special interest groups run this county,” and he added, I am tired of being ignored.”</p><p>But the other three candidates, all of whom hold seats on the Petaluma city council - Mike Healy, David Rabbitt and Pamela Torliatt - emphasized their experience as reasons why they could better represent the district that spans Petaluma and Cotati to the Marin County line.</p><p>Their viewpoints ranged across the land use and environmental spectrum, from King and Rabbitt who presented themselves as advocates of property rights to Torliatt who championed community sentiment. Healy cast himself as the candidate without allegiances to either side.</p><p>They are competing in the June 8 election to replace Mike Kerns, who is retiring after 12 years in office.</p><p>If no candidate receives a majority of votes cast in the June election, there will be a run-off between the two top vote-getters in November. The race is one of two for open seats on the five-member Board of Supervisors, the other being the north county seat being vacated by retiring incumbent Paul Kelley.</p><p>All of the candidates took pains to detail the length of time that their families have been in Sonoma County and the depth of their commitment to civic affairs.</p><p>Rabbitt noted that he has served as PTA president and has been active in Little League, with his three children participating. </p><p>Several times, Rabbitt highlighted his endorsement by key organizations in the south county district such as the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. </p><p>He said he would be a strong advocate for property rights, which he said means allowing land owners to develop property for zoned uses.</p><p>Rabbitt said he would “take a harder look” at the 2020 General Plan, would consider amending it and believes it does not adequately notify residents of potential zoning changes in their neighborhoods.</p><p>Torliatt who serves as Petaluma's mayor, emphasized her south county ties that date back four generations. She noted that she grew up in the rural county, and that living on a ranch with her boyfriend, she operates a small beef cattle operation. </p><p>She said she supports many provisions of the 2020 General Plan because it protects residents of rural areas from unwanted encroachment of urban-style development. </p><p>“We take the community into consideration,” Torliatt said, describing her approach to zoning issues. “It is really important to maintain our rural surroundings.”</p><p>Noting that Petaluma has trimmed its budget from $42 to $32 million, she said the voters of her district need a representative with budget-cutting experience because more cuts are in the offing for county services. </p><p>Healy, however, said Rabbitt and Torliatt represented “more of the same” choices between candidates associated with business, referring to Rabbitt, and those linked to environmental interests, like Torlilatt.</p><p>Healy, who is lagging behind in organizational endorsements, said he was weary of the usual brand of local politics that pits environmental against business interests.</p><p>“They beat each other up every election,” Healy said. “If you are content with that pattern, then by all means, sign up with either Pam or David.”</p><p>The debate at the Holy Ghost Hall west of Petaluma was sponsored by the Northwest Petaluma Community Citizens Coalition and Farm Watch.</p><p>It was the first debate among the four candidates vying to succeed Kerns. The next debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, is scheduled for April 20.</p>