Sonoma mayor’s appointments questioned

David Cook has said one of the perks that comes with being Sonoma’s mayor is appointing residents to the advisory committees. That role could be taken away from him, though.

Council members Gary Edwards and Rachel Hundley raised concerns over his recent appointments to the Planning Commission and the Community Services and Environmental Commission. They questioned whether Cook was picking the most qualified candidates and asked this week to look at the interview and selection process at a future meeting - a move that pitted them against the rest of the council.

Edwards argued there were more qualified candidates who applied for the Planning Commission, which he previously served on.

“These positions are so very important that I feel we need to spend a little more time with them,” he said.

Edwards argued at a meeting earlier this month that it appeared that Cook had gone into the interviews with his mind made up on whom to pick - an accusation disputed by Cook. Tempers flared. And the mayor accused Edwards of lying.

“It’s embarrassing for the city of Sonoma ...,” Cook said at the meeting.

His appointments ultimately were ratified this week by 3-2 vote with Edwards and Hundley in opposition.