Kathleen Shaffer

Age: 61

Hometown: Sebastopol

Occupation: Community volunteer, former business owner, teacher

Background: Palm Drive Health Care Foundation Board member; Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce member; Sunrise Rotary Club member

Web site: None

Priorities:

LOCAL ECONOMY

Problem: Sales tax revenues decreasing; a budget shortfall has necessitated a proposed utility tax

Solution: Seek businesses selling products we drive elsewhere to buy; plan for diversity of businesses including light manufacturing in the northeast area

TRAFFIC

Problem: Two intersecting state highways burden local traffic

Solution: Initiate community forum with traffic planners and residents to discuss solutions for improving traffic flow; organize neighborhood groups to promote biking and walking

NORTHEAST AREA PLAN

Problem: City needs revitalization, but community has concerns about commercial expansion, water, growth

Solution: Preserve character by keeping industrial, manufacturing zoning; create water conservation plan; reach compromise on new units built per year