Non-profits split over Wright and Zane

A letter signed by 14 current and former leaders in Sonoma County’s non-profit agencies endorsing Sharon Wright for supervisor has raised eyebrows during waning days of the campaign because they oppose her election rival, Shirlee Zane, who has been chief executive at the non-profit Council on Aging for nearly a decade.

The letter from “Sonoma County Non-Profit Leaders” says the differences between Zane and Wright “are remarkable, critical and, to us, crystal clear”.

Signers of the letter include: Andrea Learned, vice president for development at St. Joseph Health System; Mark Ihde, president of Goodwill Industries of the Redwood Empire and former county sheriff, and Karen Johnson, director of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and former director of the Volunteer Center.

Zane labeled it “a deceptive letter that looks like a fund-raiser.” Although the letter doesn’t say the current and former non-profit leaders are representing the opinions of their agencies, Zane complained the letter leaves the impression that the organizations have taken a position in favor of Wright.

Non-profit agencies operate under strict federal guidelines that prohibit political activities during hours they are employed.

Earlier in the campaign, critics accused her of encouraging employees in the Council on Aging to work on behalf of her campaign for supervisor. She denied the charges. Zane has taken a three-week unpaid leave from post with the council in work full-time on her campaign.

“I could have had a hundred people in the non-profit world list their names for me,” she said.

She said her supporters among non-profit leaders include David Goodman, executive director of the Redwood Empire Food Bank; Cami Weaver, CEO of Becoming Independent; Denise Frey, executive director of the YWCA, and Denny Rosatti, executive director of Conservation Action.

Wright defended the letter, saying two of the signatories approached her about gathering names and she told them “go for it”.

“I think it is a hallmark of leadership when others in Shirlee’s own community say they want me,” Wright said.