Thread by @MurphReports

Los Cien's virtual #SonomaCounty Supervisors debate starts in 30 minutes. All three candidates running for the 2nd District and both candidates running for the 4th District are set to participate. Follow me here for live coverage. pressdemocrat.com/article/news/h…

The debate was originally planned as an in-person event, but anti-vaccine protests prompted the organizers to switch to a virtual format. pressdemocrat.com/article/news/a…

The debate started with words from Gerard Giudice, owner of Sally Tomatoes, who apologized for having to pull out as the venue for the debate. "Canceling the event goes against every bone in my body and the decision was not made easily."

Debate moderator, Pat McDonell is outlining the format. Candidates will be asked the same questions, in a rotating order and will be given the same amount of time to answer each question. If time allows, audience members will be able to submit questions at the end.

First question is up: describe your commitment to and involvement with diversity, equity and inclusion. Share the how and the way of this work. Candidates have 90 seconds to answer.

2nd district candidate Blake Hooper, says the county's processes tackles these issues in a silo.

Rabbitt is now talking about his parents' experience as immigrants. "They were looking for that experience to live the American dream. I am accurately aware of the fact that their experience was eased by the fact that they are white and speak English"

Kevin Hayenga ran out of time while describing the racism he experienced within his mostly white family. Some of his family is from Argentina and Brazil.

Gore is describing how he found himself working as a translator to help communicate urgent information following the 2017 wildfires.

Andy Springer on the question: "The best thing I think we could do especially as a government is to stay out of your way, the American Dream is not dead, it’s well alive. The best thing you could do is not allow people to stand in the way of your dream."

McDonell is now asking candidates about the racism and discrimination reported by county employees of color, and how to respond to it.

Speaking about the racism that forced county department heads to leave, Gore said "My goal has to be to provide support to individuals who are marginalized, I’ve learned my lessons."

Rabbitt's up next. He says Gore's approach is why he likes working with him on the board and points out that microaggressions and discriminations are problems across the county. Says "learning as we go adapting, and making sure we’re always improving," is important.

Springer, during his turn, urged anyone experiencing discrimination to speak up. "One should never put up with bullying, one should never put up with discrimination."

On how to deal with it as a supervisor, Springer said there are already processes in place but "maybe there needs to be more enforcement."

Hooper, last up, says the county's department of equity needs a better budget and stronger teeth. "To put all that work, all that policy, all that work on one department, to silo it all is a horrible precedent to set."

Now asked if they would extend housing protection measures, Hayenga, Hooper and Rabbitt all said they would extend the measures.

Hooper proposed a short term extension as well as a more permanent ordinance drafted in partnership with cities and other relevant partners.

Next question asks candidates for their perspective on large scale housing development projects, like current Sonoma Developmental Center debate.

Gore said there is not a lot of room left for larger projects, and noted the pushback from residents every time a local affordable housing project is proposed. "You’ve seen us approve every project,"

Springer, up next, says the government needs to stay out of the way "Our government needs to stop trying to fix everything and let the people figure it out." He adds that government's primary purpose is safety, & the county is not properly funding, supporting its safety officials

Hooper agreed with Gore that there's not much room to build out and supported a look to opportunities within cities - "this is why partnerships with our cities are going to be so very important."

The debate has now turned to the county's proposed move to downtown Santa Rosa. McDonell asked the candidates if they would support the move.

Rabbitt said no. He has consistently voted against acquiring the Sears building - "it's too rich for our blood" he said of the cost.

Hayenga says he thinks such a move would be too expensive

Springer said he thanks god that Rabbitt voted no on the proposal and called the plans to redevelop the Sears site an "ivory tower." "Covid taught us something, we can work from home."

Springer also argued that the county should focus on setting up satellite government centers to be accessible to residents throughout the county

Current question asks candidates to address how they would approach being in a public facing job.

Springer: "I don’t have anything going on that I’m too concerned about. We need honesty and integrity, transparency and obviously great leadership."

Gore: "If you have the audacity to run for office you need to expect that everything is going to be looked at, you have to stand there basically naked before your community and pass the test."

Hayenga: "I believe in transparency especially in financial matters. I'm the only one in this panel who's not accepting donations."

Rabbitt: "being in government you are an open book and rightfully we should be held to a higher standard."

Hooper ends the round by saying he agrees with Gore, that elected office is a higher standard. He added that transparency means seeing those elected officials year round, not just during election season

Last question for the candidates asks how they would extend transit throughout the county to service low income people

Springer responds by calling on the board to offer tax relief

Gore, talking now, says the county is not a walkable community and notes the county is trying to invest in alternative transportation like bike lanes

Hayenga, says the county needs to expand its transit system and invest more money

Now onto closing statements: Gore calls his work as a supervisor a higher calling and points to the county's recent funding to tackle needs connected to issues like water, roads and fire.

"This is not amount writing a plan in a vacuum and trying to get it to hit the ground in the community, this is about trench work in the community," Gore said.

Springer said he decided to run because he "believes we've had a better California." He says Sonoma County has the opportunity to be a "lighthouse" for the nation in how it responds to drought, fires, housing and other crisis.

Springer says the county is failing to be that leader and calls on the middle class, the working class and property owners, among others, to take their government back. "Goverment belongs to the people and not us to them, lets make a difference this time."

Hayenga uses his turn to point out that he is not a career politician and says "it's time to take money out of politics," again referencing that he is not taking donations. "I look forward to earning your trust," Hayenga concludes.

Hooper, speaking next, stressed the need for county government to working closely with cities and other partners, and step up in better supporting, including communities of color.

Last to speak, Rabbitt, a former architect, said he got involved in local government because of his family. Then touts his work on local transit agencies and experience addressing issues like drought, infrastructure and housing.

Rabbitt said he understands partnerships with local cities and is effective on the board. "I bring a unique skillset."

That's a wrap folks. Story on the way.