RP council incumbents angry at Zane's change of stance on sewer rates

<p>A spat over Sonoma County supervisorial candidate Shirlee Zane's changed position on the Rohnert Park sewer rate ballot issue has prompted two city councilmen to rethink their stances on Zane's candidacy.</p><p>Jake Mackenzie and Tim Smith, both incumbents running for re-election in Rohnert Park, say they had received assurances from Zane that she would oppose Measure L, the sewer rate rollback measure that Mackenzie and Smith view as a city budget buster.</p><p>Mackenzie was so pleased that he pledged to distribute Zane's campaign literature as he walked his Rohnert Park precincts, which are deemed crucial if she is to defeat her challenger in the 3rd District race, Sharon Wright.</p><p>But now Mackenzie and Smith are fuming because Zane has changed from opposing Measure L to maintaining neutrality.</p><p>Zane confirmed she changed her mind.</p><p>"Upon reflection, it seemed appropriate not to to insert myself on an issue on which a supervisor does not have any influence," Zane said. "Initially, I told them that I would oppose it, but since then, I talked to Rohnert Park residents and now I am neutral."</p><p>Mackenzie said he's so upset that he is withdrawing his previously declared endorsement of Zane and is not going to distribute her literature.</p><p>"I heard she's changed to neutral on Measure L, so I'm now neutral on her," Mackenzie said. "Her change made it clear that I cannot endorse anybody in the race."</p><p>Smith, who wasn't going to endorse either Zane or Wright, nonetheless proclaimed himself "disappointed."</p><p>"I remain disappointed in her lack of promised support for the No on Measure L campaign," Smith said. "I am still not endorsing in that race. To hear what other aspiring candidates think on the most important issues in Rohnert Park is appreciated."</p><p>So, what showed up in Rohnert Park mailboxes this week?</p><p>An independent expenditure committee flier, distributed by a "Rohnert Park Families" group that features an anti-Measure L stance, promotions of the City Council candidacies of Smith, Mackenzie and Vicki Vidak-Martinez and Sharon Wright for county supervisor.</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Bleys W. Rose at 521-5431 or bleys.rose@pressdemocrat.com.</p>