Letter to the editor from the week of Oct. 23

Replace the flags

EDITOR: Soon after moving to Petaluma, I began to exercise by walking from the intersection of Water and Washington streets along the river and back several days a week. As a WWII veteran, I admired and was inspired by the four flags on the masts at the Washington Street bridge.

Suddenly, several months ago, the flags disappeared. With Veterans Day fast approaching, I am hopeful the flags can be replaced.

One of the first things I learned as a child was, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.” And I still do.

Clifford Stowe, Petaluma

Youth Commission supports Harris

EDITOR: I recently completed my term serving Petaluma as an adult member of the Petaluma Youth Commission and was honored to serve as chairwoman during my term. During that time, I had the opportunity to have a working relationship with Mike Harris.

I had followed Mike some time ago when he announced he was running for city council. I was excited for him as he explained his vision for Petaluma. A lot has happened in Petaluma since those early days when Mike first made it into office. Throughout, I have found Mike responsive and reachable. If you think you need something fixed in your neighborhood, give him a call. As a citizen, that means a lot to me.

Most recently, from 2012-14, I served alongside him on the Petaluma Youth Commission. I was struck by his enthusiasm and thoughtfulness as we worked collaboratively on youth related issues with the adult and youth members of this commission.

I am proud to support Mike in his run for mayor. I know firsthand how tirelessly he works to keep Petaluma a place we all call home.

I know Mike would serve the city well if we elect him as mayor of Petaluma. Join me and other adult members of the Youth Commission (Carol Eber, Rachel Judkins, Heather Mackin, Houston Porter and Ken Quinto) in supporting Mike Harris for mayor of Petaluma.

Melissa Denny, Petaluma

King will prioritize building Rainier

EDITOR: I have lived in Petaluma for over 35 years, and spend a great deal of my time trying to get across my town.

For years, I have heard about a cross-town connector that would connect Petaluma Boulevard North, near the police station, to North McDowell Boulevard, near the hospital. The Rainier connector would provide a safety corridor, as well as a second way for us to get across the middle of town and alleviate the gridlock and consequent carbon emissions on Washington Street.

Ten years ago, in 2004, Measure S passed with over 70 percent of voters saying that they wanted a cross town connector at Rainier - Janice Cader-Thompson firmly opposed the connector. This year, finally, a draft environmental impact report for the connector was approved by the city council. And Janice Cader-Thompson is again running to stop the Rainier connector, despite our traffic mess.

Each time the question comes up, it appears to me that the majority of people who live, work and play in Petaluma want there to be another way across town that will connect the center of west Petaluma with the center of east Petaluma.

This year I am voting for Dave King for city council. Dave believes that we need to move forward, to stop the delay and figure out a way to unite the two sides of our city. Vote for Dave King for city council.

Anthy O’Brien, Petaluma

Our water’s future

EDITOR: Anyone who lives in Petaluma and Sonoma County is very aware of our water shortage.

Which raises the question: why are we hearing so little about our water supply? We’re all facing an intimidating challenge gradually running low on water.

Isn’t it time for the City of Petaluma and the County of Sonoma to help us understand what’s in our water future?

Michael Sunday, Petaluma