PD Editorial: An experienced, grounded team for Sonoma

One thing's for sure: The Sonoma City Council is going to change.

That's what happens when a sitting member decides not to seek re-election, as is the case with Gary Edwards.

But one new face may not be the end of it. Two additional seats are up for election this Nov. 6. They're being defended by incumbents Rachel Hundley and Madolyn Agrimonti.

Five challengers are in the mix: James Cribb, a planning commissioner; Jack Ding, a member of the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission; Logan Harvey, an affordable housing advocate; Chris Petlock, a City Hall watchdog; and Jack Wagner, a member of the Community Services and Environment Commission.

First, let's look at the incumbents.

Hundley is completing her first term as a far-more polished and confident politician than when she joined the council after the 2014 election.

Some say she has too often succumbed to the allure of media attention. That mostly stems from 2017 when, as a 30-something woman mayor in the year of Donald Trump's inauguration, she was featured in some national news stories. What we don't hear a lot of is complaints about her work for the city or her council voting record. She has consistently shown her progressive roots but seeks compromise on such issues as cannabis and finances.

Agrimonti has been a passionate ambassador for Sonoma, and she skillfully eases the public speaking jitters of citizens at council meetings. But observers say she has, at times, seemed unfamiliar with details of what she's voting on. Her colleagues often jockey to persuade her to tip the scales on a vote. It's great theater but isn't a model for effective governance.

Cribb positions himself as a centrist. He's endorsed by Edwards, the most conservative current council member. Cribb, who runs Sonoma Dog Camp, calls wine, food and tourism the financial backbone of the city. But he also says he will “do whatever I can to encourage affordable housing” in Sonoma.

Harvey, a Sonoma native, has been a regular at council meetings for over a year now. He seems earnest and principled - and well prepared. Of all the candidates interviewed, he has the most detailed positions on housing and the environment.

Ding, who owns a tax service, is a Chinese-American immigrant. As he pointed out at the Sonoma Index-Tribune's candidates' forum, he comes from a communist country and is making his first run for elected office in America. If that isn't a great American story, we don't know what is. Ding believes he can put his tax expertise to use in myriad ways on the council.

Petlock, the finance director at the Valley of the Moon Water Agency, says his financial background would give him insight into tightening up the city's budget.

Wagner is making his third run for City Council and, if elected, would push for no-waste Sonoma Plaza events, improved bike access through town and a commuter shuttle for the Sonoma Valley.

Each of the candidates would serve the city well. It's especially encouraging to see several younger candidates as they bring a valuable perspective on the financial challenges of living in Sonoma.

Many factors go into election recommendations: experience, positions on issues, demeanor, an overall sense of competency, the list goes on. Also important is ensuring that the makeup of the council reflect the city, which, in general, is moderately progressive - with an at-times overly cautious relationship with change.

Sonoma needs leaders who aren't averse to moving the city forward. The city needs housing, it needs to welcome new and local industries, it needs to mitigate its environmental footprint, it needs to better foster a sense of inclusiveness and diversity.

To get there, Sonoma needs experienced, thoughtful, grounded leadership. To provide that leadership, we recommend Rachel Hundley, Logan Harvey and James Cribb for Sonoma City Council.

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