GUEST OPINION: Sonoma County: Red, black, green

<p>The Press Democrat recently reported that Sonoma County taxpayers are picking up the tab (an estimated $22,000) to send seven county officials, including two consultants, to Copenhagen, Denmark to attend a conference on climate change (“County sending seven to climate summit,” Nov. 24). The paper also ran an editorial suggesting it would be better to “think global, stay local, participate by teleconference” (“By the numbers,” Nov. 27). I totally agree.</p><p>Here’s a brain teaser for you: while the Sonoma County Water Agency is doling out week-long, unpaid Christmas furloughs to some of its employees as a cost-cutting measure, how can seven other well paid employees and consultants justify consuming part of that Christmas savings?</p><p>Also, don’t organizations generally hire consultants for their knowledge and expertise, not to provide it to them?</p><p>As part of a fact check, I Googled the Copenhagen conference to see if teleconferencing is available and, sure enough, it is. It’s heavily promoted by the conference organizers, too. Their Web site proudly announces: “To foster global inclusiveness, we are pleased to offer an exceptional conferencing capability so more of your colleagues and constituents around the world can participate in the conference without flying to Copenhagen.”</p><p>So, here’s a thought: If it’s true that we are recognized as one of the “greenest” regions of the world, why not task the aforementioned consultants to find a way to attract members of the Copenhagen conference to Sonoma County to observe first-hand why we are considered a green leader? Just think about all the revenue that could flow into the city and county coffers (hotels, restaurants, car rentals, airfares, wine sales, etc.) – perhaps, even some new consulting opportunities for county and city staff.</p><p>Why, we could potentially go from red to black and still be green. </p><p>In my opinion, during the present time, while the county budget reflects millions of dollars worth of red ink due to the reality of spending beyond its means, there is no shade of green in Copenhagen or anywhere else in the world that can provide adequate justification for the proposed $22,000 expenditure. </p><p>The state of California and local agencies must learn to live within their means and begin to make fundamental changes to become more energy-independent while creating jobs. We should be role models for technology, encouraging more tech solutions to climate change, which will lead to more green jobs here. Ultimately, we could become more prosperous by exporting green- and clean-tech around the world.</p><p>In this fiscal climate, setting up meetings with big shots in Denmark is not green, practical or necessary. </p><p>Michael Allen, my opponent for the Democratic nomination in the 7th Assembly District, was quoted as saying: “It would be easy to write off the trip as a junket and a waste of money.” And stating: “In my experience, you make important contacts and find out best practices. I really do see it as a positive.” </p><p>With all due respect to Allen, and for the reasons that I’ve stated above, I disagree with his assertion that a trip to another continent is the best and most efficient way to make contacts and learn about best practices. This is particularly true in this day and age of high technology – and in view of the county’s current fiscal situation. My experience as a Santa Rosa city councilman taught me that the public wants and expects its leaders to be fiscally responsible among other traits. </p><p>This international conference will no doubt have a lot of valuable information to offer attendees and the rest of us, and I suspect that the information is going to be widely available for free online following the conference. </p><p><i>Lee Pierce served on the Santa Rosa City Council from 2004-2008.</i></p>