PD Editorial: Steady hand

<p>In this crossroads election, Santa Rosa voters also must pick a successor for Mayor Bob Blanchard, who resigned in May and died barely two weeks later.</p><p>Of the four candidates for this two-year seat, we think Councilwoman Jane Bender is best prepared for the challenges at hand.</p><p>Bender, who had planned to step down this year after two terms, offers an unmatched understanding of the city's budget troubles and the need to promote economic development as the path to fiscal health for Santa Rosa and its residents.</p><p>With the city facing a $10.5 million deficit, she took a politically difficult but principled election-year stand against a two-year, 9.5 percent raise for police dispatchers. More painful choices are coming on labor contracts, layoffs, fire protection, road repairs, homeless shelters and other services. Bender will bring expertise and experience to the council's deliberations.</p><p>Bender also has been a leader in efforts to reunify Courthouse Square without using general fund dollars, promising a needed boost for downtown.</p><p>Also seeking the two-year seat are Judy Kennedy, David Rosas and Lawrence Weisner. Kennedy is a strong advocate for the Burbank Gardens neighborhood. Weisner, an accountant, declined to be interviewed. Rosas, a Roseland school board member, would be a knowledgeable representative of the growing southwest quadrant, and we hope he considers another bid for City Council in 2010. But in this election, we recommend Jane Bender.</p>