Argus-Courier ballot recommendations

Here are the Argus-Courier’s recommendations for the June 7 primary:

U.S. Congress - Jared Huffman

In his nearly four years in Congress, Huffman, D-San Rafael, has worked to preserve coastal lands and respond to the drought. He has a role on a key transportation committee, and he is well-positioned to help find federal funding for projects like widening Highway 101 and the SMART commuter train.

His efforts to bring together stakeholders along the North Coast’s waterways, including the silt-choked Petaluma River, are bearing fruit as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers moves forward with a pilot program that could lead to funding for river dredging. But his work is not finished, and Petaluma voters should support Huffman in the primary.

State Senate - Bill Dodd

A former supervisor from Napa County, Democratic Assemblyman Bill Dodd has worked on issues important to Petalumans, including preserving agricultural land and funding for education. As former chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Dodd has valuable experience with funding for large infrastructure projects, and he is a good ally in Sacramento for Petaluma’s effort to widen Highway 101. As a moderate politician, he is able to work across the aisle and bring all sides to the table.

While he has spent less than two years in the Assembly, he is well qualified for the higher state Senate office.

Assembly - Marc Levine

Assemblyman Levine, D-San Rafael, has authored legislation allowing craft beer makers and wine makers to offer tastings at farmers markets, potentially aiding two growing Petaluma industries. He has sponsored a bill that would ban the sale of a certain style of assault weapon in California, at a time when standing up to the gun lobby has become more challenging.

In the June 7 primary, voters should support Levine and send him back to the Assembly to do more for Petaluma.

Measure AA - Yes

The $12 per year parcel tax would raise $500 million over 20 years for the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority to use exclusively for restoration, flood control and recreation projects along the bay.

The North Bay alone stands to receive at least $45 million for projects, according to the Sonoma County Water Agency, several of which are pegged for the Petaluma River watershed. Through the flood control, environmental restoration work and recreation projects, Measure AA would directly benefit Petaluma, and voters should support it.