PD Editorial: Press Democrat recommendations for the Nov. 8 election

Here are our recommendations Tuesday’s election. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Results will be posted at pressdemocrat.com.

SANTA ROSA

City Council, District 2 — Mark Stapp

Mark Stapp is well-versed in Santa Rosa’s economic and housing needs, he’s committed to preserving the Bennett Valley Golf Course and careful stewardship of the Southeast Greenway, and we think he would be a good addition to the City Council.

City Council, District 4 — Terry Sanders

Terry Sanders’ home in Fountaingrove burned in the 2017 fire, giving him a personal connection to a section of District 4 still struggling to rebuild. He has active support in the downtown business community and among first responders.

City Council, District 6 — Jeff Okrepkie

Few first-time candidates have been as well prepared as Jeff Okrepie, founder of Coffey Strong, a volunteer organization that was instrumental to rebuilding after the 2017 fires.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

Measure H: public safety sales tax — Yes

The quarter-cent sales tax generates $10 million annually, with 80% of the money earmarked for police and fire protection and the other 20% dedicated to violence prevention efforts.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

Measure I — City charter, district elections — Yes

Measure I acknowledges that Santa Rosa switched from at-large elections to district elections for the City Council beginning in 2018.

Measure J — City charter, cleanup — Yes

Measure J clarifies some ambiguities and updates city charter language to reflect present practices.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

ROHNERT PARK

City Council, District 1 — Samantha Rodriguez

Samantha Rodriguez has worked diligently since her appointment, winning the support of her colleagues. Retaining her would continue a trend of younger, more diverse representation.

City Council, District 2 — Emily Sanborn

Emily Sanborn came to Rohnert Park for college 22 years ago and stayed. She works at Strauss Family Creamery, is active in a variety of organizations and has broad community support.

City Council, District 5 — Susan Hollingsworth Adams

Susan Hollingsworth Adams says a new shelter and camping law are a humane response, incorporating accountability and putting Rohnert Park ahead of other local cities.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

WINDSOR

Mayor — Rosa Reynoza

An advocate for public outreach, Rosa Reynoza wants the town to provide more information about finances on its website and promises to be available to constituents.

District 1 — Mike Wall

Mike Wall’s strong showing in a special election earlier this — 58% of the vote in a three-way contest — reflects growing support for neighborhood-oriented politics in Windsor.

District 2 — Maureen Merrill

Maureen Merrill, who served on the original Town Council, has remained an active presence in the business community and can help restore civility to the council.

District 4 — Kevin Gonyo

We were impressed by Kevin Gonyo’s volunteer efforts to distribute food and assist adults with disabilities in Windsor.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

SONOMA

City Council — Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Ron Wellander and John Gurney

City Hall is balancing in a precarious place, with no city manager, the police chief set to retire soon and other departures on the horizon. Refilling these linchpin positions will take dedication, creativity and, most importantly, experience — specifically knowledge of City Hall.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

CLOVERDALE

Measure K — End fireworks sales — Yes

Fireworks are fun. But in this era of fierce wildfires and punishing droughts, we can no longer afford to play with fire.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

SONOMA COUNTY

Superintendent of schools — Amie Carter

Carter has a doctorate in organizational leadership change, which aligns with the county superintendent’s role as adviser to district superintendents on academic and financial.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

FEDERAL

U.S. House, District 2 — Jared Huffman

Jared Huffman has worked to broker a compromise to maintain Russian River flows vital to residents of Mendocino and northern Sonoma counties while restoring historic fisheries on the Eel River.

U.S. House, District 4 — Mike Thompson

In an institution defined by seniority, Mike Thompson is a senior member, chairing the revenue subcommittee and working closely with Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

CALIFORNIA

State Senate, District 2 — Mike McGuire

The second-ranking Democrat in the state Senate, Mike McGuire was instrumental in derailing a shadowy plan to restore an abandoned railroad line to ship train loads of coal up the North Coast for export.

State Assembly, District 2 — Jim Wood

Jim Wood, the longtime chairman of the Assembly Health Committee, has sponsored legislation to expand access to health care and develop strategies for containing costs.

State Assembly, District 12 — Damon Connolly

Damon Connolly brings extensive experience on topics salient to North Bay voters, including transportation, fire prevention, open space and energy.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

Proposition 1 — Abortion rights — Yes

In response to the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Proposition 1 would enshrine a right to an abortion and contraception in the state constitution.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

Proposition 26 — Sports betting — No

Proposition 26, sponsored by a coalition of Native American tribes, would allow on-site sports betting in tribal casinos and at four privately owned racetracks, while creating needless problems for rival card rooms.

Proposition 27 — Sports betting — No

Proposition 27, sponsored by online gambling interests including FanDuel and DraftKings, would allow online sports betting through California tribes or private companies that partner with them.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

Proposition 28 — Arts in school — Yes

Proposition 28 would ensure that California students get the quality arts classes they deserve — without raising taxes.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

Proposition 29 — Dialysis clinics — No

For the third time in four years, California voters are getting dragged into a fight between a national labor union and kidney dialysis clinics. Don’t take the bait.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

Proposition 30 — Income tax increase — No

Ride-sharing giant Lyft is bankrolling Proposition 30, which could benefit the company through taxpayer-funded rebates on electric cars.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

Proposition 31 — Ban flavored tobacco products — Yes

Tobacco is an unrelenting killer, taking nearly 500,000 lives annually in the United States, including about 40,000 in California. Millions more suffer from emphysema, elevated blood pressure and other tobacco-related illnesses.

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

Supreme Court — Patricia Guerrero, Joshua Groban, Martin Jenkins, Goodwin Liu — Yes

1st District Court of Appeal, Division 2 — Therese M. Stewart — Yes

1st District Court of Appeal, Division 3 — Carin T. Fujisaki, Iona Petrou, Victor A. Rodriguez, Alison M. Tucher — Yes

1st District Court of Appeal, Division 4 — Tracie L. Brown, Jeremy M. Goldman — Yes

1st District Court of Appeal, Division 5 — Gordon B. Burns, Teri L. Jackson — Yes

To read The Press Democrat’s editorial, click here.

For all of The Press Democrat’s election coverage, click here.

You can send letters to the editor to letters@pressdemocrat.com.