March 3rd Primary - Voter Guide

Every election year, the Santa Rosa Chamber Business and Community Political Action Committee (Chamber PAC) endorses candidates and the Metro Chamber’s Advocacy Council provides recommendations on statewide and local ballot measures that are critical to Santa Rosa’s and Sonoma County’s future.

Recommendations on Ballot Measures

LOCAL MEASURES

Yes on Measure I - SMART Sales Tax Extension

Measure I is critical to SMART’s future and would renew this vital funding with no tax increase. Measure I will allow restructuring of construction debt saving $12.2 million annually, and qualifying SMART for more federal, state and regional matching funds. While oversight and transparency have been a concern, the potential economic opportunity for our region is too substantial to deny. Our endorsement of this measure comes with a commitment from the Chamber to support and advocate for improved transparency and for an enlarged future vision for SMART, not only servicing our region from North to South, but also East to major metropolitan connectors.

STATE MEASURES

Yes on Proposition 13 - Bonds to Fund School Infrastructure

This bond funding will improve California’s public schools across every educational category – including preschool, K-12, higher education, career technical, and charter schools. Funds would be allocated for new construction, modernization/rehabilitation of old facilities, and would provide immediate relief, such as temporary facilities, for schools affected by natural disasters. This important investment in the future of our state is a crucial step towards ensuring that California students have access to safe, well-maintained and modern schools.

Candidates Endorsed by the Chamber PAC

U.S. House of Representatives

Jared Huffman, CA-2

Mike Thompson, CA-5

California State Senate

Bill Dodd, District 3

California State Assembly

Jim Wood, District 2

Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, District 4

Marc Levine, District 10

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors

Susan Gorin, District 1

Supervisor Gorin brings a passionate voice to the Board for fire recovery and emergency response. She has taken on the transition of the Sonoma Developmental Center, ensuring community engagement and bringing a determination to ensure this site meets its valuable potential in the region.

Lynda Hopkins, District 5

Supervisor Hopkins has shown great leadership and work ethic in addressing Sonoma County’s most pressing issues. She is extremely knowledgeable on any given issue affecting her diverse West County district and the County at large. She consistently puts the community first, never shying away from the tough issues and welcoming community input while increasing government transparency.