“Anyone can file a complaint and we want to keep the campaign focus,” Kathrein said.
Committee donors include Community Futures LLC; California Real Estate Political Action Committee; James Ratto, Chairman of The Ratto Group of Companies, Inc.; and the Sonoma Alliance for Wineries and Environmental Political Action Committee.
Although also contested, the race for 4th District Supervisor was relatively quiet.
Incumbent supervisor James Gore is seeking re-election to a third term against pastor and local businessman Richard “Andy” Springer.
Springer, a political newcomer running for office for the first time, has focused his campaign on California’s high cost of living, a need for inclusiveness and his belief in limited government.
He is the first candidate to challenge Gore, since Gore first ran for office in 2014 when he beat Windsor councilman Deb Fudge, former Healdsburg mayor Pete Foppiano and former UPS supervisor and part-time teacher Keith Rhinehart.
In his re-election bid, Gore touted his experience helping the county through back-to-back disasters and his advocacy for county investments in the Office of Equity, improved emergency response systems and the reinforcement of hydraulic infrastructures.
superintendent of schools
The race for Sonoma County Schools superintendent rounds out the list of contested races for the top-ranked county offices that voters will decide on Tuesday.
Amie Carter, assistant superintendent of education services for the Marin County Office of Education; Brad Coscarelli, principal of Hidden Valley Elementary School; and Mark West Union School District superintendent Ron Calloway are up for the county’s top education position.
California County Schools Superintendents are responsible for overseeing the fiscal stability of local school districts and the services provided by the County Office of Education, including special education and other school supports.
A self-proclaimed “crusader,” Carter campaigned on her years of experience as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent, and as a mother whose children grew up in the Petaluma school system.
Top issues on Carter’s radar include diversifying the teaching workforce, expanding Sonoma County’s Portrait of a Graduate program, increasing student engagement, and promoting funding. increased education while emphasizing the effective use of limited dollars.
Coscarelli’s resume includes work as a teacher at Herbert Slater Middle School, then as a principal at Santa Rosa High School, and, since 2018, as a principal at Hidden Valley Elementary.
Throughout his campaign, he has emphasized the need to build relationships with school leaders and families to increase the chances of success for more Sonoma County students.
Calloway’s 30-year career includes time working as a teacher and principal before stepping into his current role as district head of Mark West.
Its priorities include building social emotional supports for local students, especially in light of recent years of upheaval due to natural disasters and the pandemic, and supporting early literacy to improve educational outcomes.
Other races
Voters will also find a few uncontested races for key county positions on the ballot, including Sonoma County District Attorney.
Sonoma County Assistant District Attorney Carla Rodriguez is seeking election as the county’s senior prosecutor, replacing Jill Ravitch, who is retiring at the end of her term. Ravitch endorsed Rodriguez for the role.
Rodriquez has worked for the district attorney’s office for 24 years, according to his campaign website, and has handled a range of cases, including homicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, pedophilia, environmental protection and mental health.
Deva Proto, County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor, and Erick Roeser, County Auditor-Comptroller-Treasurer-Tax Collector, are also up for re-election. The two are unopposed.
You can reacth Managing Editor Emma Murphy at 707-521-5228 or [email protected]. On Twitter @MurphReports.
