Opinion: Bill Dodd for State Senate

In the left leaning 3rd State Senate District, in which Petaluma sits at the western edge, it’s not surprising that we have two Democrats vying for the open seat in Sacramento.

Assemblyman Bill Dodd and former Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada both survived the top-two June primary in a race that saw only a nominal Republican challenge. Dodd, a well-funded moderate candidate backed by the party establishment and Yamada, a progressive with grassroots support, are now in a relatively close race for the district that includes Petaluma.

In these times of partisan gridlock, where politicians at both ends of the political spectrum have paralyzed government, it is increasingly important to elect centrist candidates that can work with both sides to achieve consensus and get things done. This is why we are recommending a vote for Dodd for State Senate in the Nov. 8 election.

A former supervisor from Napa County, Dodd has worked on issues important to Petalumans, including preserving agricultural land and funding for education. While he has spent less than two years in the Assembly, he is well qualified for the higher State Senate office.

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. He certainly has spent more time in Petaluma than Yamada.

As a moderate politician, Dodd is able to work across the aisle and bring all sides to the table. He is endorsed by Rep. Jared Huffman, State Senator Lois Wolk, Supervisor David Rabbitt and five members of the Petaluma City Council.

Yamada has the experience to serve in the State Senate after serving six years in the Assembly and representing Davis on the Yolo County Board of Supervisors. As the more liberal of the two candidates in the race, she has less potential for achieving compromise on important issues.

Dodd would be able to accomplish more than Yamada from the center.

Too often in politics, candidates campaign to the far left or the far right. But it is the center where governing happens. On Nov. 8, voters should look to the center and vote for Bill Dodd for State Senate.