Eric Ziedrich, Jeff Civian lead in Healdsburg council race

Former mayor Eric Ziedrich, making a bid for another term in office after a four-year hiatus, was out in front in the Healdsburg City Council race.

With two seats up for grabs and five of five precincts reporting Wednesday, Ziedrich had 33.6 percent of the votes, followed by Jeff Civian with 24.9 percent. Brigette Mansell was close behind Civian with 24.7 percent and Tim Meinken trailed with almost 16.8 percent.

There were some broad lines of agreement among the candidates on the need for middle-class and worker housing as well as the importance of maintaining small town character.

Voters Tuesday referenced the need to balance the needs of local residents against catering too much to tourists.

'We have to be vigilant to keep the town as charming and lovely as it is,' said Marlene Swendsen, who voted for Ziedrich, citing his experience and public service. She also voted for Meinken, who she said 'cares deeply about the city.'

Ziedrich, 58, president of Healdsburg lumber company, served two previous non-consecutive terms on the City Council, including two one-year terms as mayor, and has a long list of other public service positions, including on the Planning Commission, school and hospital boards.

He said he decided to seek a another term on the City Council because of the lack of experience in the field of candidates that formed when incumbents Jim Wood and Susan Jones decided not to seek re-election.

Civian, 58, a civil engineer, is the chairman of the Healdsburg Planning Commission and also served as planning commissioner for the County of Sonoma and Windsor.

He stressed the need for more downtown parking, public safety and street maintenance.

Mansell, 53, is a high school English teacher making her first bid for public office. She said wanted to encourage communication among Healdsburg citizens and government and said she would make independent decisions.

Meinken, 61, a small winery owner, also cast himself as the independent choice. A former pension and benefits consultant, he was the only candidate to highlight the need for continued pension reform.