50° CLEAR,
Candidates discuss water, parks, ag issues
Four supervisorial hopefuls also weigh in on proposed rock quarry on Roblar Road
Published: Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 3:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 12:38 p.m.
(Editor's note: This is the third of a series of stories about issues in the race for Sonoma County supervisor, 2nd District. Some of the comments by candidates are excerpted from their responses to an Argus-Courier questionnaire. To read their full responses to the questionnaire, visit www.petaluma360.com.)
Water supplies, agriculture, and land use are all vitally important aspects of the county's growth and future. The four candidates for 2nd District Supervisor shared how they propose to handle these topics, if elected.
The 2nd District includes Petaluma, Cotati, parts of Rohnert Park and rural Sonoma County land. Candidates will face each other in the primary election on June 8. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters will face each other in a runoff in November.
What will you do to secure a sustainable water supply to meet General Plan needs for the county and its cities? What is your position on the use of groundwater?
Torliatt: All county residents need to share responsibility for how the water is used. To begin with, I believe we need to reform the Sonoma County Water Agency to be less of a top-down agency, more transparent and create a more collaborative process with water contractors and the community. We need to look at alternative sources of potable water and explore innovative solutions such as agricultural reuse, greywater systems and reverse osmosis.
Rabbitt: I understand the dire need to invest in and construct additional infrastructure improvements needed to ensure delivery of the water. I also support the use and distribution of recycled water where practical and economically feasible. I support the responsible use of groundwater just as I have as a sitting council member in the city of Petaluma. The use of additional storage and slower draws during off-peak hours can alleviate potential problems.
King: Sonoma County supervisors now export 6 billion gallons of Sonoma County groundwater supplies a year to Marin County, and Marin is about to get more as the result of a new water delivery option and the widening of the 101 freeway. This can't continue as the valley floor from Penngrove to Santa Rosa is dropping one-half inch a year. I believe we now have the judicial law and the factual circumstances to end exports to Marin County. Desalination will play a key role in making new water supplies available, reverse osmosis micro-filtration will become required by law and will likely be made available for human consumption in the not-too-distant future.
Healy: We have a three-year supply of water for the entire region stored in Lake Sonoma, but we can't use it because of the sensitive fishery habitat in Dry Creek. I support the work being done in Dry Creek to possibly allow higher releases from Lake Sonoma. I recognize the importance and sensitivity of sustainable groundwater-pumping levels. I'm also concerned that the Sonoma County Water Agency's rate design — loading both fixed and variable costs into a commodity charge — might be giving cities improper price signals that encourage them to heavily pump their own wells instead of buying SCWA water.
What is your opinion of the proposed Roblar Road Quarry gravel mining operation west of Cotati
Torliatt: I have serious concerns about the impacts of this project on the surrounding community. The truck traffic required to run this quarry will put significant strain on local roads and increase traffic conditions, as well as contribute significantly to air pollution. There are also significant concerns being raised regarding the proximity of the quarry to the old Sonoma County landfill, which has no protective liner to prevent leaking and has contaminated waste that was dumped there in the 1950s and 1960s.
Rabbitt: Conceptually, I support the Roblar Road Quarry. Typically, I favor and encourage local sourcing of materials and resources. The quarry will provide quality jobs and ensure a resource required by local construction companies (more jobs, yet again) and provide a material in demand within our county and region. I do have several concerns, however, including proposed truck routes, road degradation, traffic impacts, noise issues, compatibility with existing land uses and adjacency to the county landfill. I look forward to the upcoming discussions and forums on the proposal.
King: I went on record opposing development at the quarry because of the adjacent county landfill. That landfill has got to be one of the most toxic dump sites in the state of California. That landfill, with or without the quarry, will have to be removed. The charter of the Open Space District was not intended for the public to enrich John Barella (owner of North Bay Construction, the project applicant). I'm not against a quarry; I'm against that project.
Healy: On the one hand, local sources of aggregate would, all other things equal, be a more sustainable approach. On the other hand, rural residents have developed justifiable expectations, based on the county General Plan and zoning, about the types of uses that will be allowed in their neighborhoods. In this particular situation, the first hurdle, in my mind, is whether or not the proposed quarry use is consistent with the General Plan and zoning. The second hurdle is whether or not the project's impacts can and would be mitigated in a meaningful way.
What do you hope to achieve in the area of parks and open space and what will you do as supervisor to reach those goals?
Torliatt: Public ownership of select parcels of land is one of the best methods we can use to preserve our quality of life. We have an obligation to do all that we can to protect these resources, whether it's our open spaces, water sources, or air quality. In Petaluma, we stopped a privatization process for Petaluma's wastewater treatment facility and created 171 acres of publicly accessible wetlands.
Rabbitt: I have been a long advocate of parks and open space, and will be a strong advocate for additional resources here in the south county. I support the agricultural preservation overlay of working farmlands to ensure the rural character of our county. I support the greenbelts between urban areas and support access trails and paths giving the greatest number of residents the best possible recreational opportunities.
King: As county supervisor, I will put an end to wasteful spending of Open Space District money. Too many properties are being acquired that shouldn't qualify. The recent payment for the old Roblar Road quarry site is just one example of a property that shouldn't qualify for this program, particularly one with an estimated $60 million worth of rock on it. The public is being deceived and precious tax dollars are being wasted over and over again.
Healy: I will work to improve the access and usability of Tolay Park. The county should be supporting Petaluma's efforts to open a multi-sport park complex by the Petaluma airport. I recognize the importance of adequately maintaining our existing parks. The Open Space district gives us the opportunity to achieve several goals. It should focus on sensitive habitat and community separator lands vulnerable to development, as well as on preserving working farms and dairies, and helping them remain viable.
What will you do to support dairies, wineries and other agricultural endeavors in the south county?
Torliatt: Our agriculture and wine production encourages tourism and helps to bring in significant tax revenue and jobs to our community. Our leaders need to pursue federal funding for infrastructure repairs and prioritize these critical projects. We need to work together to encourage sustainability and protect our natural resources, while removing the over-regulation that creates significant burden for local agriculture.
Rabbitt: I am the only candidate in this race endorsed and supported by the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. I now know they appreciated my ability to listen, my ability to work cooperatively with diverse constituency groups and the fact that I am straightforward and pragmatic like themselves. I believe in property rights and I am committed to agriculture by supporting the things that will keep farmers on the land.
King: Both dairies and wineries are in the same boat, producing too much product locally and beyond have caused prices to soften in the marketplace. I propose stopping additional plantings of grapes here in Sonoma County. Grape growers hit with low prices have built wineries trying to capture retail dollars — it hasn't worked. The dairy industry is suffering from the same dilemma — cows are now producing close to 14 gallons per day, per cow.
Healy: As a matter of land use, I support the right of farmers to farm in ag-zoned areas. I am pleased that we are on the verge of restoring freight rail service, which should lower the cost of feed grains. I am also pleased at the trend of local farmers moving towards more specialized and high value-added crops as opposed to bulk commodity crops, as this will allow local farmers to compete more effectively, and local government should assist that wherever possible.
(Contact Philip Riley at philip.riley@arguscourier.com)
(Editor's note: This is the third of a series of stories about issues in the race for Sonoma County supervisor, 2nd District. Some of the comments by candidates are excerpted from their responses to an Argus-Courier questionnaire. To read their full responses to the questionnaire, visit www.petaluma360.com.)
Water supplies, agriculture, and land use are all vitally important aspects of the county's growth and future. The four candidates for 2nd District Supervisor shared how they propose to handle these topics, if elected.
The 2nd District includes Petaluma, Cotati, parts of Rohnert Park and rural Sonoma County land. Candidates will face each other in the primary election on June 8. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters will face each other in a runoff in November.
What will you do to secure a sustainable water supply to meet General Plan needs for the county and its cities? What is your position on the use of groundwater?
Torliatt: All county residents need to share responsibility for how the water is used. To begin with, I believe we need to reform the Sonoma County Water Agency to be less of a top-down agency, more transparent and create a more collaborative process with water contractors and the community. We need to look at alternative sources of potable water and explore innovative solutions such as agricultural reuse, greywater systems and reverse osmosis.
Rabbitt: I understand the dire need to invest in and construct additional infrastructure improvements needed to ensure delivery of the water. I also support the use and distribution of recycled water where practical and economically feasible. I support the responsible use of groundwater just as I have as a sitting council member in the city of Petaluma. The use of additional storage and slower draws during off-peak hours can alleviate potential problems.
King: Sonoma County supervisors now export 6 billion gallons of Sonoma County groundwater supplies a year to Marin County, and Marin is about to get more as the result of a new water delivery option and the widening of the 101 freeway. This can't continue as the valley floor from Penngrove to Santa Rosa is dropping one-half inch a year. I believe we now have the judicial law and the factual circumstances to end exports to Marin County. Desalination will play a key role in making new water supplies available, reverse osmosis micro-filtration will become required by law and will likely be made available for human consumption in the not-too-distant future.
Healy: We have a three-year supply of water for the entire region stored in Lake Sonoma, but we can't use it because of the sensitive fishery habitat in Dry Creek. I support the work being done in Dry Creek to possibly allow higher releases from Lake Sonoma. I recognize the importance and sensitivity of sustainable groundwater-pumping levels. I'm also concerned that the Sonoma County Water Agency's rate design — loading both fixed and variable costs into a commodity charge — might be giving cities improper price signals that encourage them to heavily pump their own wells instead of buying SCWA water.
What is your opinion of the proposed Roblar Road Quarry gravel mining operation west of Cotati
Torliatt: I have serious concerns about the impacts of this project on the surrounding community. The truck traffic required to run this quarry will put significant strain on local roads and increase traffic conditions, as well as contribute significantly to air pollution. There are also significant concerns being raised regarding the proximity of the quarry to the old Sonoma County landfill, which has no protective liner to prevent leaking and has contaminated waste that was dumped there in the 1950s and 1960s.
Rabbitt: Conceptually, I support the Roblar Road Quarry. Typically, I favor and encourage local sourcing of materials and resources. The quarry will provide quality jobs and ensure a resource required by local construction companies (more jobs, yet again) and provide a material in demand within our county and region. I do have several concerns, however, including proposed truck routes, road degradation, traffic impacts, noise issues, compatibility with existing land uses and adjacency to the county landfill. I look forward to the upcoming discussions and forums on the proposal.
King: I went on record opposing development at the quarry because of the adjacent county landfill. That landfill has got to be one of the most toxic dump sites in the state of California. That landfill, with or without the quarry, will have to be removed. The charter of the Open Space District was not intended for the public to enrich John Barella (owner of North Bay Construction, the project applicant). I'm not against a quarry; I'm against that project.
Healy: On the one hand, local sources of aggregate would, all other things equal, be a more sustainable approach. On the other hand, rural residents have developed justifiable expectations, based on the county General Plan and zoning, about the types of uses that will be allowed in their neighborhoods. In this particular situation, the first hurdle, in my mind, is whether or not the proposed quarry use is consistent with the General Plan and zoning. The second hurdle is whether or not the project's impacts can and would be mitigated in a meaningful way.
What do you hope to achieve in the area of parks and open space and what will you do as supervisor to reach those goals?
Torliatt: Public ownership of select parcels of land is one of the best methods we can use to preserve our quality of life. We have an obligation to do all that we can to protect these resources, whether it's our open spaces, water sources, or air quality. In Petaluma, we stopped a privatization process for Petaluma's wastewater treatment facility and created 171 acres of publicly accessible wetlands.
Rabbitt: I have been a long advocate of parks and open space, and will be a strong advocate for additional resources here in the south county. I support the agricultural preservation overlay of working farmlands to ensure the rural character of our county. I support the greenbelts between urban areas and support access trails and paths giving the greatest number of residents the best possible recreational opportunities.
King: As county supervisor, I will put an end to wasteful spending of Open Space District money. Too many properties are being acquired that shouldn't qualify. The recent payment for the old Roblar Road quarry site is just one example of a property that shouldn't qualify for this program, particularly one with an estimated $60 million worth of rock on it. The public is being deceived and precious tax dollars are being wasted over and over again.
Healy: I will work to improve the access and usability of Tolay Park. The county should be supporting Petaluma's efforts to open a multi-sport park complex by the Petaluma airport. I recognize the importance of adequately maintaining our existing parks. The Open Space district gives us the opportunity to achieve several goals. It should focus on sensitive habitat and community separator lands vulnerable to development, as well as on preserving working farms and dairies, and helping them remain viable.
What will you do to support dairies, wineries and other agricultural endeavors in the south county?
Torliatt: Our agriculture and wine production encourages tourism and helps to bring in significant tax revenue and jobs to our community. Our leaders need to pursue federal funding for infrastructure repairs and prioritize these critical projects. We need to work together to encourage sustainability and protect our natural resources, while removing the over-regulation that creates significant burden for local agriculture.
Rabbitt: I am the only candidate in this race endorsed and supported by the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. I now know they appreciated my ability to listen, my ability to work cooperatively with diverse constituency groups and the fact that I am straightforward and pragmatic like themselves. I believe in property rights and I am committed to agriculture by supporting the things that will keep farmers on the land.
King: Both dairies and wineries are in the same boat, producing too much product locally and beyond have caused prices to soften in the marketplace. I propose stopping additional plantings of grapes here in Sonoma County. Grape growers hit with low prices have built wineries trying to capture retail dollars — it hasn't worked. The dairy industry is suffering from the same dilemma — cows are now producing close to 14 gallons per day, per cow.
Healy: As a matter of land use, I support the right of farmers to farm in ag-zoned areas. I am pleased that we are on the verge of restoring freight rail service, which should lower the cost of feed grains. I am also pleased at the trend of local farmers moving towards more specialized and high value-added crops as opposed to bulk commodity crops, as this will allow local farmers to compete more effectively, and local government should assist that wherever possible.
(Contact Philip Riley at philip.riley@arguscourier.com)
(Editor's note: This is the third of a series of stories about issues in the race for Sonoma County supervisor, 2nd District. Some of the comments by candidates are excerpted from their responses to an Argus-Courier questionnaire. To read their full responses to the questionnaire, visit www.petaluma360.com.)
Water supplies, agriculture, and land use are all vitally important aspects of the county's growth and future. The four candidates for 2nd District Supervisor shared how they propose to handle these topics, if elected.
The 2nd District includes Petaluma, Cotati, parts of Rohnert Park and rural Sonoma County land. Candidates will face each other in the primary election on June 8. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters will face each other in a runoff in November.
What will you do to secure a sustainable water supply to meet General Plan needs for the county and its cities? What is your position on the use of groundwater?
Torliatt: All county residents need to share responsibility for how the water is used. To begin with, I believe we need to reform the Sonoma County Water Agency to be less of a top-down agency, more transparent and create a more collaborative process with water contractors and the community. We need to look at alternative sources of potable water and explore innovative solutions such as agricultural reuse, greywater systems and reverse osmosis.
Rabbitt: I understand the dire need to invest in and construct additional infrastructure improvements needed to ensure delivery of the water. I also support the use and distribution of recycled water where practical and economically feasible. I support the responsible use of groundwater just as I have as a sitting council member in the city of Petaluma. The use of additional storage and slower draws during off-peak hours can alleviate potential problems.
King: Sonoma County supervisors now export 6 billion gallons of Sonoma County groundwater supplies a year to Marin County, and Marin is about to get more as the result of a new water delivery option and the widening of the 101 freeway. This can't continue as the valley floor from Penngrove to Santa Rosa is dropping one-half inch a year. I believe we now have the judicial law and the factual circumstances to end exports to Marin County. Desalination will play a key role in making new water supplies available, reverse osmosis micro-filtration will become required by law and will likely be made available for human consumption in the not-too-distant future.
Healy: We have a three-year supply of water for the entire region stored in Lake Sonoma, but we can't use it because of the sensitive fishery habitat in Dry Creek. I support the work being done in Dry Creek to possibly allow higher releases from Lake Sonoma. I recognize the importance and sensitivity of sustainable groundwater-pumping levels. I'm also concerned that the Sonoma County Water Agency's rate design — loading both fixed and variable costs into a commodity charge — might be giving cities improper price signals that encourage them to heavily pump their own wells instead of buying SCWA water.
What is your opinion of the proposed Roblar Road Quarry gravel mining operation west of Cotati
Torliatt: I have serious concerns about the impacts of this project on the surrounding community. The truck traffic required to run this quarry will put significant strain on local roads and increase traffic conditions, as well as contribute significantly to air pollution. There are also significant concerns being raised regarding the proximity of the quarry to the old Sonoma County landfill, which has no protective liner to prevent leaking and has contaminated waste that was dumped there in the 1950s and 1960s.
Rabbitt: Conceptually, I support the Roblar Road Quarry. Typically, I favor and encourage local sourcing of materials and resources. The quarry will provide quality jobs and ensure a resource required by local construction companies (more jobs, yet again) and provide a material in demand within our county and region. I do have several concerns, however, including proposed truck routes, road degradation, traffic impacts, noise issues, compatibility with existing land uses and adjacency to the county landfill. I look forward to the upcoming discussions and forums on the proposal.
King: I went on record opposing development at the quarry because of the adjacent county landfill. That landfill has got to be one of the most toxic dump sites in the state of California. That landfill, with or without the quarry, will have to be removed. The charter of the Open Space District was not intended for the public to enrich John Barella (owner of North Bay Construction, the project applicant). I'm not against a quarry; I'm against that project.
Healy: On the one hand, local sources of aggregate would, all other things equal, be a more sustainable approach. On the other hand, rural residents have developed justifiable expectations, based on the county General Plan and zoning, about the types of uses that will be allowed in their neighborhoods. In this particular situation, the first hurdle, in my mind, is whether or not the proposed quarry use is consistent with the General Plan and zoning. The second hurdle is whether or not the project's impacts can and would be mitigated in a meaningful way.
What do you hope to achieve in the area of parks and open space and what will you do as supervisor to reach those goals?
Torliatt: Public ownership of select parcels of land is one of the best methods we can use to preserve our quality of life. We have an obligation to do all that we can to protect these resources, whether it's our open spaces, water sources, or air quality. In Petaluma, we stopped a privatization process for Petaluma's wastewater treatment facility and created 171 acres of publicly accessible wetlands.
Rabbitt: I have been a long advocate of parks and open space, and will be a strong advocate for additional resources here in the south county. I support the agricultural preservation overlay of working farmlands to ensure the rural character of our county. I support the greenbelts between urban areas and support access trails and paths giving the greatest number of residents the best possible recreational opportunities.
King: As county supervisor, I will put an end to wasteful spending of Open Space District money. Too many properties are being acquired that shouldn't qualify. The recent payment for the old Roblar Road quarry site is just one example of a property that shouldn't qualify for this program, particularly one with an estimated $60 million worth of rock on it. The public is being deceived and precious tax dollars are being wasted over and over again.
Healy: I will work to improve the access and usability of Tolay Park. The county should be supporting Petaluma's efforts to open a multi-sport park complex by the Petaluma airport. I recognize the importance of adequately maintaining our existing parks. The Open Space district gives us the opportunity to achieve several goals. It should focus on sensitive habitat and community separator lands vulnerable to development, as well as on preserving working farms and dairies, and helping them remain viable.
What will you do to support dairies, wineries and other agricultural endeavors in the south county?
Torliatt: Our agriculture and wine production encourages tourism and helps to bring in significant tax revenue and jobs to our community. Our leaders need to pursue federal funding for infrastructure repairs and prioritize these critical projects. We need to work together to encourage sustainability and protect our natural resources, while removing the over-regulation that creates significant burden for local agriculture.
Rabbitt: I am the only candidate in this race endorsed and supported by the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. I now know they appreciated my ability to listen, my ability to work cooperatively with diverse constituency groups and the fact that I am straightforward and pragmatic like themselves. I believe in property rights and I am committed to agriculture by supporting the things that will keep farmers on the land.
King: Both dairies and wineries are in the same boat, producing too much product locally and beyond have caused prices to soften in the marketplace. I propose stopping additional plantings of grapes here in Sonoma County. Grape growers hit with low prices have built wineries trying to capture retail dollars — it hasn't worked. The dairy industry is suffering from the same dilemma — cows are now producing close to 14 gallons per day, per cow.
Healy: As a matter of land use, I support the right of farmers to farm in ag-zoned areas. I am pleased that we are on the verge of restoring freight rail service, which should lower the cost of feed grains. I am also pleased at the trend of local farmers moving towards more specialized and high value-added crops as opposed to bulk commodity crops, as this will allow local farmers to compete more effectively, and local government should assist that wherever possible.
(Contact Philip Riley at philip.riley@arguscourier.com)
(Editor's note: This is the third of a series of stories about issues in the race for Sonoma County supervisor, 2nd District. Some of the comments by candidates are excerpted from their responses to an Argus-Courier questionnaire. To read their full responses to the questionnaire, visit www.petaluma360.com.)
Water supplies, agriculture, and land use are all vitally important aspects of the county's growth and future. The four candidates for 2nd District Supervisor shared how they propose to handle these topics, if elected.
The 2nd District includes Petaluma, Cotati, parts of Rohnert Park and rural Sonoma County land. Candidates will face each other in the primary election on June 8. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters will face each other in a runoff in November.
What will you do to secure a sustainable water supply to meet General Plan needs for the county and its cities? What is your position on the use of groundwater?
Torliatt: All county residents need to share responsibility for how the water is used. To begin with, I believe we need to reform the Sonoma County Water Agency to be less of a top-down agency, more transparent and create a more collaborative process with water contractors and the community. We need to look at alternative sources of potable water and explore innovative solutions such as agricultural reuse, greywater systems and reverse osmosis.
Rabbitt: I understand the dire need to invest in and construct additional infrastructure improvements needed to ensure delivery of the water. I also support the use and distribution of recycled water where practical and economically feasible. I support the responsible use of groundwater just as I have as a sitting council member in the city of Petaluma. The use of additional storage and slower draws during off-peak hours can alleviate potential problems.
King: Sonoma County supervisors now export 6 billion gallons of Sonoma County groundwater supplies a year to Marin County, and Marin is about to get more as the result of a new water delivery option and the widening of the 101 freeway. This can't continue as the valley floor from Penngrove to Santa Rosa is dropping one-half inch a year. I believe we now have the judicial law and the factual circumstances to end exports to Marin County. Desalination will play a key role in making new water supplies available, reverse osmosis micro-filtration will become required by law and will likely be made available for human consumption in the not-too-distant future.
Healy: We have a three-year supply of water for the entire region stored in Lake Sonoma, but we can't use it because of the sensitive fishery habitat in Dry Creek. I support the work being done in Dry Creek to possibly allow higher releases from Lake Sonoma. I recognize the importance and sensitivity of sustainable groundwater-pumping levels. I'm also concerned that the Sonoma County Water Agency's rate design — loading both fixed and variable costs into a commodity charge — might be giving cities improper price signals that encourage them to heavily pump their own wells instead of buying SCWA water.
What is your opinion of the proposed Roblar Road Quarry gravel mining operation west of Cotati
Torliatt: I have serious concerns about the impacts of this project on the surrounding community. The truck traffic required to run this quarry will put significant strain on local roads and increase traffic conditions, as well as contribute significantly to air pollution. There are also significant concerns being raised regarding the proximity of the quarry to the old Sonoma County landfill, which has no protective liner to prevent leaking and has contaminated waste that was dumped there in the 1950s and 1960s.
Rabbitt: Conceptually, I support the Roblar Road Quarry. Typically, I favor and encourage local sourcing of materials and resources. The quarry will provide quality jobs and ensure a resource required by local construction companies (more jobs, yet again) and provide a material in demand within our county and region. I do have several concerns, however, including proposed truck routes, road degradation, traffic impacts, noise issues, compatibility with existing land uses and adjacency to the county landfill. I look forward to the upcoming discussions and forums on the proposal.
King: I went on record opposing development at the quarry because of the adjacent county landfill. That landfill has got to be one of the most toxic dump sites in the state of California. That landfill, with or without the quarry, will have to be removed. The charter of the Open Space District was not intended for the public to enrich John Barella (owner of North Bay Construction, the project applicant). I'm not against a quarry; I'm against that project.
Healy: On the one hand, local sources of aggregate would, all other things equal, be a more sustainable approach. On the other hand, rural residents have developed justifiable expectations, based on the county General Plan and zoning, about the types of uses that will be allowed in their neighborhoods. In this particular situation, the first hurdle, in my mind, is whether or not the proposed quarry use is consistent with the General Plan and zoning. The second hurdle is whether or not the project's impacts can and would be mitigated in a meaningful way.
What do you hope to achieve in the area of parks and open space and what will you do as supervisor to reach those goals?
Torliatt: Public ownership of select parcels of land is one of the best methods we can use to preserve our quality of life. We have an obligation to do all that we can to protect these resources, whether it's our open spaces, water sources, or air quality. In Petaluma, we stopped a privatization process for Petaluma's wastewater treatment facility and created 171 acres of publicly accessible wetlands.
Rabbitt: I have been a long advocate of parks and open space, and will be a strong advocate for additional resources here in the south county. I support the agricultural preservation overlay of working farmlands to ensure the rural character of our county. I support the greenbelts between urban areas and support access trails and paths giving the greatest number of residents the best possible recreational opportunities.
King: As county supervisor, I will put an end to wasteful spending of Open Space District money. Too many properties are being acquired that shouldn't qualify. The recent payment for the old Roblar Road quarry site is just one example of a property that shouldn't qualify for this program, particularly one with an estimated $60 million worth of rock on it. The public is being deceived and precious tax dollars are being wasted over and over again.
Healy: I will work to improve the access and usability of Tolay Park. The county should be supporting Petaluma's efforts to open a multi-sport park complex by the Petaluma airport. I recognize the importance of adequately maintaining our existing parks. The Open Space district gives us the opportunity to achieve several goals. It should focus on sensitive habitat and community separator lands vulnerable to development, as well as on preserving working farms and dairies, and helping them remain viable.
What will you do to support dairies, wineries and other agricultural endeavors in the south county?
Torliatt: Our agriculture and wine production encourages tourism and helps to bring in significant tax revenue and jobs to our community. Our leaders need to pursue federal funding for infrastructure repairs and prioritize these critical projects. We need to work together to encourage sustainability and protect our natural resources, while removing the over-regulation that creates significant burden for local agriculture.
Rabbitt: I am the only candidate in this race endorsed and supported by the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. I now know they appreciated my ability to listen, my ability to work cooperatively with diverse constituency groups and the fact that I am straightforward and pragmatic like themselves. I believe in property rights and I am committed to agriculture by supporting the things that will keep farmers on the land.
King: Both dairies and wineries are in the same boat, producing too much product locally and beyond have caused prices to soften in the marketplace. I propose stopping additional plantings of grapes here in Sonoma County. Grape growers hit with low prices have built wineries trying to capture retail dollars — it hasn't worked. The dairy industry is suffering from the same dilemma — cows are now producing close to 14 gallons per day, per cow.
Healy: As a matter of land use, I support the right of farmers to farm in ag-zoned areas. I am pleased that we are on the verge of restoring freight rail service, which should lower the cost of feed grains. I am also pleased at the trend of local farmers moving towards more specialized and high value-added crops as opposed to bulk commodity crops, as this will allow local farmers to compete more effectively, and local government should assist that wherever possible.
(Contact Philip Riley at philip.riley@arguscourier.com)
(Editor's note: This is the third of a series of stories about issues in the race for Sonoma County supervisor, 2nd District. Some of the comments by candidates are excerpted from their responses to an Argus-Courier questionnaire. To read their full responses to the questionnaire, visit www.petaluma360.com.)
Water supplies, agriculture, and land use are all vitally important aspects of the county's growth and future. The four candidates for 2nd District Supervisor shared how they propose to handle these topics, if elected.
The 2nd District includes Petaluma, Cotati, parts of Rohnert Park and rural Sonoma County land. Candidates will face each other in the primary election on June 8. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters will face each other in a runoff in November.
What will you do to secure a sustainable water supply to meet General Plan needs for the county and its cities? What is your position on the use of groundwater?
Torliatt: All county residents need to share responsibility for how the water is used. To begin with, I believe we need to reform the Sonoma County Water Agency to be less of a top-down agency, more transparent and create a more collaborative process with water contractors and the community. We need to look at alternative sources of potable water and explore innovative solutions such as agricultural reuse, greywater systems and reverse osmosis.
Rabbitt: I understand the dire need to invest in and construct additional infrastructure improvements needed to ensure delivery of the water. I also support the use and distribution of recycled water where practical and economically feasible. I support the responsible use of groundwater just as I have as a sitting council member in the city of Petaluma. The use of additional storage and slower draws during off-peak hours can alleviate potential problems.
King: Sonoma County supervisors now export 6 billion gallons of Sonoma County groundwater supplies a year to Marin County, and Marin is about to get more as the result of a new water delivery option and the widening of the 101 freeway. This can't continue as the valley floor from Penngrove to Santa Rosa is dropping one-half inch a year. I believe we now have the judicial law and the factual circumstances to end exports to Marin County. Desalination will play a key role in making new water supplies available, reverse osmosis micro-filtration will become required by law and will likely be made available for human consumption in the not-too-distant future.
Healy: We have a three-year supply of water for the entire region stored in Lake Sonoma, but we can't use it because of the sensitive fishery habitat in Dry Creek. I support the work being done in Dry Creek to possibly allow higher releases from Lake Sonoma. I recognize the importance and sensitivity of sustainable groundwater-pumping levels. I'm also concerned that the Sonoma County Water Agency's rate design — loading both fixed and variable costs into a commodity charge — might be giving cities improper price signals that encourage them to heavily pump their own wells instead of buying SCWA water.
What is your opinion of the proposed Roblar Road Quarry gravel mining operation west of Cotati
Torliatt: I have serious concerns about the impacts of this project on the surrounding community. The truck traffic required to run this quarry will put significant strain on local roads and increase traffic conditions, as well as contribute significantly to air pollution. There are also significant concerns being raised regarding the proximity of the quarry to the old Sonoma County landfill, which has no protective liner to prevent leaking and has contaminated waste that was dumped there in the 1950s and 1960s.
Rabbitt: Conceptually, I support the Roblar Road Quarry. Typically, I favor and encourage local sourcing of materials and resources. The quarry will provide quality jobs and ensure a resource required by local construction companies (more jobs, yet again) and provide a material in demand within our county and region. I do have several concerns, however, including proposed truck routes, road degradation, traffic impacts, noise issues, compatibility with existing land uses and adjacency to the county landfill. I look forward to the upcoming discussions and forums on the proposal.
King: I went on record opposing development at the quarry because of the adjacent county landfill. That landfill has got to be one of the most toxic dump sites in the state of California. That landfill, with or without the quarry, will have to be removed. The charter of the Open Space District was not intended for the public to enrich John Barella (owner of North Bay Construction, the project applicant). I'm not against a quarry; I'm against that project.
Healy: On the one hand, local sources of aggregate would, all other things equal, be a more sustainable approach. On the other hand, rural residents have developed justifiable expectations, based on the county General Plan and zoning, about the types of uses that will be allowed in their neighborhoods. In this particular situation, the first hurdle, in my mind, is whether or not the proposed quarry use is consistent with the General Plan and zoning. The second hurdle is whether or not the project's impacts can and would be mitigated in a meaningful way.
What do you hope to achieve in the area of parks and open space and what will you do as supervisor to reach those goals?
Torliatt: Public ownership of select parcels of land is one of the best methods we can use to preserve our quality of life. We have an obligation to do all that we can to protect these resources, whether it's our open spaces, water sources, or air quality. In Petaluma, we stopped a privatization process for Petaluma's wastewater treatment facility and created 171 acres of publicly accessible wetlands.
Rabbitt: I have been a long advocate of parks and open space, and will be a strong advocate for additional resources here in the south county. I support the agricultural preservation overlay of working farmlands to ensure the rural character of our county. I support the greenbelts between urban areas and support access trails and paths giving the greatest number of residents the best possible recreational opportunities.
King: As county supervisor, I will put an end to wasteful spending of Open Space District money. Too many properties are being acquired that shouldn't qualify. The recent payment for the old Roblar Road quarry site is just one example of a property that shouldn't qualify for this program, particularly one with an estimated $60 million worth of rock on it. The public is being deceived and precious tax dollars are being wasted over and over again.
Healy: I will work to improve the access and usability of Tolay Park. The county should be supporting Petaluma's efforts to open a multi-sport park complex by the Petaluma airport. I recognize the importance of adequately maintaining our existing parks. The Open Space district gives us the opportunity to achieve several goals. It should focus on sensitive habitat and community separator lands vulnerable to development, as well as on preserving working farms and dairies, and helping them remain viable.
What will you do to support dairies, wineries and other agricultural endeavors in the south county?
Torliatt: Our agriculture and wine production encourages tourism and helps to bring in significant tax revenue and jobs to our community. Our leaders need to pursue federal funding for infrastructure repairs and prioritize these critical projects. We need to work together to encourage sustainability and protect our natural resources, while removing the over-regulation that creates significant burden for local agriculture.
Rabbitt: I am the only candidate in this race endorsed and supported by the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. I now know they appreciated my ability to listen, my ability to work cooperatively with diverse constituency groups and the fact that I am straightforward and pragmatic like themselves. I believe in property rights and I am committed to agriculture by supporting the things that will keep farmers on the land.
King: Both dairies and wineries are in the same boat, producing too much product locally and beyond have caused prices to soften in the marketplace. I propose stopping additional plantings of grapes here in Sonoma County. Grape growers hit with low prices have built wineries trying to capture retail dollars — it hasn't worked. The dairy industry is suffering from the same dilemma — cows are now producing close to 14 gallons per day, per cow.
Healy: As a matter of land use, I support the right of farmers to farm in ag-zoned areas. I am pleased that we are on the verge of restoring freight rail service, which should lower the cost of feed grains. I am also pleased at the trend of local farmers moving towards more specialized and high value-added crops as opposed to bulk commodity crops, as this will allow local farmers to compete more effectively, and local government should assist that wherever possible.
(Contact Philip Riley at philip.riley@arguscourier.com)
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