Candidates share ideas on jobs, economy

<p><i>(Editor's note: This is the fourth and final story 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.)</i></p><p>Among the top issues on many voters' minds this election season are jobs and the economy. The four candidates for 2nd District supervisor shared their views on the often-debated issues of economic development, job creation and restoring public services.</p><p>The 2nd District includes Petaluma, Cotati, parts of Rohnert Park and unincorporated areas in the south county. 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.</p><p>What would you do as supervisor to enhance economic development and job growth in the county?</p><p>Rabbitt: It is important for the county to impress upon the business community that it understands their needs and will work collaboratively with them to ensure they not only survive, but also thrive. Their success is our success. I believe in providing incentives to gain what you desire, rather than draconian regulatory measures which all too often, proposed and implemented by politicians with little practical experience, can lead to unforeseen consequences.</p><p>King: The role of local government is to encourage economic growth and private enterprise to move forward with development projects, not just housing, but also commercial development that allows for manufacturing jobs that pay realistic salaries needed to buy homes and raise families. The public needs to develop a new awareness of buying American-made products and services if our economy is to recover. Perhaps the role of our next leader and county supervisor is to be the head cheerleader in bringing about an awareness of how to encourage this type of replacement development to return to Sonoma County and beyond. But most importantly, the role of the county supervisor is to restore confidence in our local government and ourselves — it's been missing for years.</p><p>Torliatt: My first priority is creating jobs, which is what Sonoma County needs right now. In Petaluma, I supported transportation projects such as the widening of the Sonoma-Marin Narrows and led the fight for federal and state funding to get these jobs off the ground. I also worked with developers and the community to push forward smart economic development projects that met the needs of the community, such as revitalizing downtown Petaluma and the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility. </p><p>Healy: We need to promote Sonoma County's long-term economic vitality by making this an attractive place for clean, high-quality businesses that create good jobs. Sonoma County has great natural beauty and a motivated workforce, but we also need solid public services — schools, roads, water, sewer, police, fire, parks — to attract the quality jobs we need. Completing the 101 widening and addressing water supply deficiencies are at the top of my list. Local government should consider how every decision it makes impacts the business climate.</p><p>How will you address the increasing gap between revenues and the expenses associated with providing public services? Give specific examples.</p><p>Rabbitt: Besides deciding essential services, anticipated service levels also need to be understood. The recognition that the county, or any government level, cannot afford to do everything for everyone must be recognized. Lastly, the elephant in the room is the post-employment costs, specifically retirement benefits. I believe in honoring commitments and fulfilling contractual obligations, but something needs to change to ensure our financial viability in the long run.</p><p>King: My position hasn't changed. The solution in great part will be found by identifying the unethical and wasteful spending and revenue manipulation by county Officials through an investigative audit. Ending unauthorized or wasteful spending will likely close the financial gap for much-needed public services. Economic development will also play a key role in addressing this issue.</p><p>Torliatt: To start, we need to reform our county government to make the budget process more open and accountable. By creating a more open budget process, I believe that we can be more efficient in our spending and open up more funding to provide essential services. I would also support new revenue measures that will allow the county to keep jobs and balance the budget.</p><p>Healy: I won't ask voters to approve a local tax increase to support general government programs because I don't believe there is support for that. I would: (1) do everything possible to protect against further raids by Sacramento on local funding sources; (2) work to grow the county's revenue base, long term; and (3) work collaboratively with stakeholders, including employees, to find the best solutions for budget shortfalls.</p><p>One area we should explore is instituting a tiered retirement program with less generous benefits for new hires, as Marin County has done.</p><p>What will you do to maintain quality public health services, including mental-health services?</p><p>Rabbitt: Even with the recently passed health care reform bill at the national level, and with the continuing cutbacks in funding at the state level, the county will continue to face difficult decisions and challenges in providing health services. Recently, the Board of Supervisors chose to outsource some of these services to the private sector, and this option needs to remain on the table. With limited monies available, the county needs to look for the least expensive way of providing services to those in need. </p><p>King: The solution to maintaining health services is fiscal responsibility, ending wasteful spending of county tax dollars and eliminating unnecessary management with ridiculous salaries. Now that there is a form of national health insurance reform at the national level, it will be important to wait and see how the changes affect the county. As I understand it, much of the funds for county health services come from state and federal taxes.</p><p>Torliatt: We need to take measures to alleviate the burden of health-care costs from individuals and help bring down the ballooning cost of medical coverage. I will continue to work with our nonprofits and Sonoma County Cities to support them in the areas where they see the most need for services. Working together, we have been able to locate a permanent facility for the Petaluma Health Center, which is an integral part of our preventative healthcare system in south county.</p><p>Healy: At the local level, the county needs to make sure that Sutter abides by its contractual obligations to open a replacement hospital, and that all providers comply with their obligations for indigent care. In Petaluma, for instance, even Kaiser members have a stake in keeping Petaluma Valley Hospital viable because it has the only emergency room in town. Maintaining a robust mental-health system is very important. If we don't provide adequate support services and medication, we'll spend even more in the sheriff's department, jail and court systems and homeless shelters.</p><p>(Contact Philip Riley at philip.riley@arguscourier.com)</p><p><i>(Editor's note: This is the fourth and final story 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.)</i></p><p>Among the top issues on many voters' minds this election season are jobs and the economy. The four candidates for 2nd District supervisor shared their views on the often-debated issues of economic development, job creation and restoring public services.</p><p>The 2nd District includes Petaluma, Cotati, parts of Rohnert Park and unincorporated areas in the south county. 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.</p><p>What would you do as supervisor to enhance economic development and job growth in the county?</p><p>Rabbitt: It is important for the county to impress upon the business community that it understands their needs and will work collaboratively with them to ensure they not only survive, but also thrive. Their success is our success. I believe in providing incentives to gain what you desire, rather than draconian regulatory measures which all too often, proposed and implemented by politicians with little practical experience, can lead to unforeseen consequences.</p><p>King: The role of local government is to encourage economic growth and private enterprise to move forward with development projects, not just housing, but also commercial development that allows for manufacturing jobs that pay realistic salaries needed to buy homes and raise families. The public needs to develop a new awareness of buying American-made products and services if our economy is to recover. Perhaps the role of our next leader and county supervisor is to be the head cheerleader in bringing about an awareness of how to encourage this type of replacement development to return to Sonoma County and beyond. But most importantly, the role of the county supervisor is to restore confidence in our local government and ourselves — it's been missing for years.</p><p>Torliatt: My first priority is creating jobs, which is what Sonoma County needs right now. In Petaluma, I supported transportation projects such as the widening of the Sonoma-Marin Narrows and led the fight for federal and state funding to get these jobs off the ground. I also worked with developers and the community to push forward smart economic development projects that met the needs of the community, such as revitalizing downtown Petaluma and the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility. </p><p>Healy: We need to promote Sonoma County's long-term economic vitality by making this an attractive place for clean, high-quality businesses that create good jobs. Sonoma County has great natural beauty and a motivated workforce, but we also need solid public services — schools, roads, water, sewer, police, fire, parks — to attract the quality jobs we need. Completing the 101 widening and addressing water supply deficiencies are at the top of my list. Local government should consider how every decision it makes impacts the business climate.</p><p>How will you address the increasing gap between revenues and the expenses associated with providing public services? Give specific examples.</p><p>Rabbitt: Besides deciding essential services, anticipated service levels also need to be understood. The recognition that the county, or any government level, cannot afford to do everything for everyone must be recognized. Lastly, the elephant in the room is the post-employment costs, specifically retirement benefits. I believe in honoring commitments and fulfilling contractual obligations, but something needs to change to ensure our financial viability in the long run.</p><p>King: My position hasn't changed. The solution in great part will be found by identifying the unethical and wasteful spending and revenue manipulation by county Officials through an investigative audit. Ending unauthorized or wasteful spending will likely close the financial gap for much-needed public services. Economic development will also play a key role in addressing this issue.</p><p>Torliatt: To start, we need to reform our county government to make the budget process more open and accountable. By creating a more open budget process, I believe that we can be more efficient in our spending and open up more funding to provide essential services. I would also support new revenue measures that will allow the county to keep jobs and balance the budget.</p><p>Healy: I won't ask voters to approve a local tax increase to support general government programs because I don't believe there is support for that. I would: (1) do everything possible to protect against further raids by Sacramento on local funding sources; (2) work to grow the county's revenue base, long term; and (3) work collaboratively with stakeholders, including employees, to find the best solutions for budget shortfalls.</p><p>One area we should explore is instituting a tiered retirement program with less generous benefits for new hires, as Marin County has done.</p><p>What will you do to maintain quality public health services, including mental-health services?</p><p>Rabbitt: Even with the recently passed health care reform bill at the national level, and with the continuing cutbacks in funding at the state level, the county will continue to face difficult decisions and challenges in providing health services. Recently, the Board of Supervisors chose to outsource some of these services to the private sector, and this option needs to remain on the table. With limited monies available, the county needs to look for the least expensive way of providing services to those in need. </p><p>King: The solution to maintaining health services is fiscal responsibility, ending wasteful spending of county tax dollars and eliminating unnecessary management with ridiculous salaries. Now that there is a form of national health insurance reform at the national level, it will be important to wait and see how the changes affect the county. As I understand it, much of the funds for county health services come from state and federal taxes.</p><p>Torliatt: We need to take measures to alleviate the burden of health-care costs from individuals and help bring down the ballooning cost of medical coverage. I will continue to work with our nonprofits and Sonoma County Cities to support them in the areas where they see the most need for services. Working together, we have been able to locate a permanent facility for the Petaluma Health Center, which is an integral part of our preventative healthcare system in south county.</p><p>Healy: At the local level, the county needs to make sure that Sutter abides by its contractual obligations to open a replacement hospital, and that all providers comply with their obligations for indigent care. In Petaluma, for instance, even Kaiser members have a stake in keeping Petaluma Valley Hospital viable because it has the only emergency room in town. Maintaining a robust mental-health system is very important. If we don't provide adequate support services and medication, we'll spend even more in the sheriff's department, jail and court systems and homeless shelters.</p><p>(Contact Philip Riley at philip.riley@arguscourier.com)</p><p><i>(Editor's note: This is the fourth and final story 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.)</i></p><p>Among the top issues on many voters' minds this election season are jobs and the economy. The four candidates for 2nd District supervisor shared their views on the often-debated issues of economic development, job creation and restoring public services.</p><p>The 2nd District includes Petaluma, Cotati, parts of Rohnert Park and unincorporated areas in the south county. 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.</p><p>What would you do as supervisor to enhance economic development and job growth in the county?</p><p>Rabbitt: It is important for the county to impress upon the business community that it understands their needs and will work collaboratively with them to ensure they not only survive, but also thrive. Their success is our success. I believe in providing incentives to gain what you desire, rather than draconian regulatory measures which all too often, proposed and implemented by politicians with little practical experience, can lead to unforeseen consequences.</p><p>King: The role of local government is to encourage economic growth and private enterprise to move forward with development projects, not just housing, but also commercial development that allows for manufacturing jobs that pay realistic salaries needed to buy homes and raise families. The public needs to develop a new awareness of buying American-made products and services if our economy is to recover. Perhaps the role of our next leader and county supervisor is to be the head cheerleader in bringing about an awareness of how to encourage this type of replacement development to return to Sonoma County and beyond. But most importantly, the role of the county supervisor is to restore confidence in our local government and ourselves — it's been missing for years.</p><p>Torliatt: My first priority is creating jobs, which is what Sonoma County needs right now. In Petaluma, I supported transportation projects such as the widening of the Sonoma-Marin Narrows and led the fight for federal and state funding to get these jobs off the ground. I also worked with developers and the community to push forward smart economic development projects that met the needs of the community, such as revitalizing downtown Petaluma and the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility. </p><p>Healy: We need to promote Sonoma County's long-term economic vitality by making this an attractive place for clean, high-quality businesses that create good jobs. Sonoma County has great natural beauty and a motivated workforce, but we also need solid public services — schools, roads, water, sewer, police, fire, parks — to attract the quality jobs we need. Completing the 101 widening and addressing water supply deficiencies are at the top of my list. Local government should consider how every decision it makes impacts the business climate.</p><p>How will you address the increasing gap between revenues and the expenses associated with providing public services? Give specific examples.</p><p>Rabbitt: Besides deciding essential services, anticipated service levels also need to be understood. The recognition that the county, or any government level, cannot afford to do everything for everyone must be recognized. Lastly, the elephant in the room is the post-employment costs, specifically retirement benefits. I believe in honoring commitments and fulfilling contractual obligations, but something needs to change to ensure our financial viability in the long run.</p><p>King: My position hasn't changed. The solution in great part will be found by identifying the unethical and wasteful spending and revenue manipulation by county Officials through an investigative audit. Ending unauthorized or wasteful spending will likely close the financial gap for much-needed public services. Economic development will also play a key role in addressing this issue.</p><p>Torliatt: To start, we need to reform our county government to make the budget process more open and accountable. By creating a more open budget process, I believe that we can be more efficient in our spending and open up more funding to provide essential services. I would also support new revenue measures that will allow the county to keep jobs and balance the budget.</p><p>Healy: I won't ask voters to approve a local tax increase to support general government programs because I don't believe there is support for that. I would: (1) do everything possible to protect against further raids by Sacramento on local funding sources; (2) work to grow the county's revenue base, long term; and (3) work collaboratively with stakeholders, including employees, to find the best solutions for budget shortfalls.</p><p>One area we should explore is instituting a tiered retirement program with less generous benefits for new hires, as Marin County has done.</p><p>What will you do to maintain quality public health services, including mental-health services?</p><p>Rabbitt: Even with the recently passed health care reform bill at the national level, and with the continuing cutbacks in funding at the state level, the county will continue to face difficult decisions and challenges in providing health services. Recently, the Board of Supervisors chose to outsource some of these services to the private sector, and this option needs to remain on the table. With limited monies available, the county needs to look for the least expensive way of providing services to those in need. </p><p>King: The solution to maintaining health services is fiscal responsibility, ending wasteful spending of county tax dollars and eliminating unnecessary management with ridiculous salaries. Now that there is a form of national health insurance reform at the national level, it will be important to wait and see how the changes affect the county. As I understand it, much of the funds for county health services come from state and federal taxes.</p><p>Torliatt: We need to take measures to alleviate the burden of health-care costs from individuals and help bring down the ballooning cost of medical coverage. I will continue to work with our nonprofits and Sonoma County Cities to support them in the areas where they see the most need for services. Working together, we have been able to locate a permanent facility for the Petaluma Health Center, which is an integral part of our preventative healthcare system in south county.</p><p>Healy: At the local level, the county needs to make sure that Sutter abides by its contractual obligations to open a replacement hospital, and that all providers comply with their obligations for indigent care. In Petaluma, for instance, even Kaiser members have a stake in keeping Petaluma Valley Hospital viable because it has the only emergency room in town. Maintaining a robust mental-health system is very important. If we don't provide adequate support services and medication, we'll spend even more in the sheriff's department, jail and court systems and homeless shelters.</p><p>(Contact Philip Riley at philip.riley@arguscourier.com)</p><p><i>(Editor's note: This is the fourth and final story 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.)</i></p><p>Among the top issues on many voters' minds this election season are jobs and the economy. The four candidates for 2nd District supervisor shared their views on the often-debated issues of economic development, job creation and restoring public services.</p><p>The 2nd District includes Petaluma, Cotati, parts of Rohnert Park and unincorporated areas in the south county. 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.</p><p>What would you do as supervisor to enhance economic development and job growth in the county?</p><p>Rabbitt: It is important for the county to impress upon the business community that it understands their needs and will work collaboratively with them to ensure they not only survive, but also thrive. Their success is our success. I believe in providing incentives to gain what you desire, rather than draconian regulatory measures which all too often, proposed and implemented by politicians with little practical experience, can lead to unforeseen consequences.</p><p>King: The role of local government is to encourage economic growth and private enterprise to move forward with development projects, not just housing, but also commercial development that allows for manufacturing jobs that pay realistic salaries needed to buy homes and raise families. The public needs to develop a new awareness of buying American-made products and services if our economy is to recover. Perhaps the role of our next leader and county supervisor is to be the head cheerleader in bringing about an awareness of how to encourage this type of replacement development to return to Sonoma County and beyond. But most importantly, the role of the county supervisor is to restore confidence in our local government and ourselves — it's been missing for years.</p><p>Torliatt: My first priority is creating jobs, which is what Sonoma County needs right now. In Petaluma, I supported transportation projects such as the widening of the Sonoma-Marin Narrows and led the fight for federal and state funding to get these jobs off the ground. I also worked with developers and the community to push forward smart economic development projects that met the needs of the community, such as revitalizing downtown Petaluma and the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility. </p><p>Healy: We need to promote Sonoma County's long-term economic vitality by making this an attractive place for clean, high-quality businesses that create good jobs. Sonoma County has great natural beauty and a motivated workforce, but we also need solid public services — schools, roads, water, sewer, police, fire, parks — to attract the quality jobs we need. Completing the 101 widening and addressing water supply deficiencies are at the top of my list. Local government should consider how every decision it makes impacts the business climate.</p><p>How will you address the increasing gap between revenues and the expenses associated with providing public services? Give specific examples.</p><p>Rabbitt: Besides deciding essential services, anticipated service levels also need to be understood. The recognition that the county, or any government level, cannot afford to do everything for everyone must be recognized. Lastly, the elephant in the room is the post-employment costs, specifically retirement benefits. I believe in honoring commitments and fulfilling contractual obligations, but something needs to change to ensure our financial viability in the long run.</p><p>King: My position hasn't changed. The solution in great part will be found by identifying the unethical and wasteful spending and revenue manipulation by county Officials through an investigative audit. Ending unauthorized or wasteful spending will likely close the financial gap for much-needed public services. Economic development will also play a key role in addressing this issue.</p><p>Torliatt: To start, we need to reform our county government to make the budget process more open and accountable. By creating a more open budget process, I believe that we can be more efficient in our spending and open up more funding to provide essential services. I would also support new revenue measures that will allow the county to keep jobs and balance the budget.</p><p>Healy: I won't ask voters to approve a local tax increase to support general government programs because I don't believe there is support for that. I would: (1) do everything possible to protect against further raids by Sacramento on local funding sources; (2) work to grow the county's revenue base, long term; and (3) work collaboratively with stakeholders, including employees, to find the best solutions for budget shortfalls.</p><p>One area we should explore is instituting a tiered retirement program with less generous benefits for new hires, as Marin County has done.</p><p>What will you do to maintain quality public health services, including mental-health services?</p><p>Rabbitt: Even with the recently passed health care reform bill at the national level, and with the continuing cutbacks in funding at the state level, the county will continue to face difficult decisions and challenges in providing health services. Recently, the Board of Supervisors chose to outsource some of these services to the private sector, and this option needs to remain on the table. With limited monies available, the county needs to look for the least expensive way of providing services to those in need. </p><p>King: The solution to maintaining health services is fiscal responsibility, ending wasteful spending of county tax dollars and eliminating unnecessary management with ridiculous salaries. Now that there is a form of national health insurance reform at the national level, it will be important to wait and see how the changes affect the county. As I understand it, much of the funds for county health services come from state and federal taxes.</p><p>Torliatt: We need to take measures to alleviate the burden of health-care costs from individuals and help bring down the ballooning cost of medical coverage. I will continue to work with our nonprofits and Sonoma County Cities to support them in the areas where they see the most need for services. Working together, we have been able to locate a permanent facility for the Petaluma Health Center, which is an integral part of our preventative healthcare system in south county.</p><p>Healy: At the local level, the county needs to make sure that Sutter abides by its contractual obligations to open a replacement hospital, and that all providers comply with their obligations for indigent care. In Petaluma, for instance, even Kaiser members have a stake in keeping Petaluma Valley Hospital viable because it has the only emergency room in town. Maintaining a robust mental-health system is very important. If we don't provide adequate support services and medication, we'll spend even more in the sheriff's department, jail and court systems and homeless shelters.</p><p>(Contact Philip Riley at philip.riley@arguscourier.com)</p>