Councilmember's Column (September 21 - September 27)

On my Mind
It has been a busy week on the campaign trail with several candidate forums and interviews. This past Tuesday, we all met with the Marin IJ editorial board followed by a double-header on Saturday with the candidate’s forum at the Novato Library and a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters later in the day. Each forum is different, but there are definitely some common themes and questions that come up each time. Most notably, Measure C, the possibility of a downtown SMART station, Novato’s next City Manager, housing, traffic, and the proposed sports fields at Hamilton.

We are now just 5 weeks away from Election Day and absentee ballots will be going out next week. Hopefully the full field of candidates will result in larger voter turnout. There are roughly 28,000 registered voters in Novato, but historically, only about 10,000 voters cast ballots for a turnout of 35%. We won’t break any records this November, but hoping we can do better than 35%.

Around Town
Novato High Homecoming Rolls through Downtown – My wife and I were enjoying dinner at My Thai on Grant on Friday night when the Novato High Homecoming floats paraded through downtown. We quickly popped outside to join in the celebration and cheer everyone on. After dinner, it was great to see so many students and families spending time walking around and enjoying our great city. Pictures

Rise & Shine Breakfast for Boys & Girls Club – I had the opportunity to support the Boys and Girls Club and their Novato Club at their annual Rise & Shine Breakfast Fundraiser in Mill Valley. Also got to meet the legendary Bill Walton & Amy G! Pictures

Coastal Cleanup Day – On September 19th, I participated in Coastal Cleanup Day. The Marin Conservation League organized efforts in Novato. We pulled an inflatable raft, a tire, and debris out of the Novato Creek after just one hour. Pictures

The Week Ahead
Tuesday (September 29)
City Council Meeting – 6:30PM (City Hall)

Thursday (October 1)
Economic Development Advisory Commission Meeting – 3:00PM (City Offices)