Fireworks, Growth, Public Safety & Casino

By Pam Stafford

I support the sale of safe and sane fireworks by local non-profit organizations in Rohnert Park. During my 30 years as a volunteer in our community I have spent hours working in non-profit fireworks booths in an effort to raise much needed funds for various sports teams, including soccer and softball. If elected I will continue my support for the sale and use of legal fireworks in Rohnert Park. That said, I will join the chorus of voices in the community who want strict enforcement of the ban of dangerous, illegal fireworks.

Growth

I believe growth is essential to a thriving, vibrant community. The voters of Rohnert Park overwhelmingly approved a new urban growth boundary in 2000. This urban growth boundary is like an imaginary line that slightly extends the boundary of Rohnert Park. This allows for measured growth that is compatible with whether we have the water and sewer capacity to manage the increase in homes. As your representative on the Rohnert Park City Council I will make sure we can provide essential services for people who already live in our town before we extend services to new residents.

Public Safety

Police and firefighters provide a vital role in every community, including Rohnert Park. I learned the importance of public safety during my husband Joe's 27 years as a special agent with Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). I believe our Public Safety officers should have the best, state-of-the-art equipment and training for their safety as they provide for the safety for our community.

Casino

I reject the notion that there was nothing our city council could do to stop the casino proposed for Rohnert Park. Every citizen's voice should have been acknowledged by way of an advisory vote before negotiations were completed with Station Casinos and the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria. If elected I will support a community wide advisory vote so our state and national leaders will understand how the families of Rohnert Park feel about having a casino less than one mile from their front doors.