Endorsements
I know Susan to be a valuable member of our community. She cares about our City and our future. This authentic connection to the people and environment of Petaluma is critically important in this November election. Susan is a long-time steward of our wetlands and habitat areas. We need more people like Susan and we need her as Mayor – she has strong values and good character and gets things done. She will lead our City Council and also listen to members of the public.
Sheryl Nadeau
Petaluma
Ask the candidate
Editor:
Local candidates, if they want to be elected, typically walk districts, pass out flyers, put out signs, meet privately with potential donors, pursue endorsements and attend public events. Susan Kirks, a Petaluma mayoral candidate, is choosing to do something more. She is extending an invitation to any of us who care about Petaluma’s future to meet with her privately, either in person, or through Zoom. Check susankirkspetaluma.com for details.
Kirks has a vision for the future of Petaluma and experience honed over the past 22 years. Please take advantage of this special opportunity to share your concerns privately and to learn more about her. Our votes can make a difference on Nov 8.
Published in the Press Democrat, October 22
Kathleen Barker
Petaluma
I’m urging everyone I know to vote for Susan Kirks for Mayor. Here’s why. I have known Susan for many years and have seen her action and achievements in Petaluma. She has an over 20-year record of community service and leadership in Petaluma, Sonoma County and the Bay Area. Susan knows the Petaluma environment – where we live, what we all want to preserve – better than any candidate in the City Council or Mayoral races. We have never had a Mayor who prioritized our Natural Environment as #1 with caring for community and quality of life. This means first in review of housing and commercial developments, in creating parks and open spaces, in planning for transportation, and in knowing how to give feedback to be certain we do NOT lose our rural character, which is quickly disappearing. She has integrity and will lead our City Council to make best decisions for our entire City and community. Join me on Nov. 8th – vote for a great new Mayor, a woman with strength and humility.
Published in the Press Democrat, September 30
Kirsten Gilstrap
Petaluma
Support Susan Kirks for Mayor
Dear Editor:
In May 2022, Petaluma City Parks and Recreation mowed in Shollenberger Park next to a known bird nesting area. I called someone about this, and nothing was done. I was very concerned about the impacts to nearby nesting birds.
A second mowing took place in this same exact area during June. After the second mowing took place, I contacted Susan Kirks. We both agreed that educating people on the importance of nesting was our first step. At the same time, Susan who wears not one, but two, caps as a conservation leader verified that federal and state laws protect nesting birds and the City of Petaluma must adhere to these regulations.
An Op Ed was crafted for the Argus Courier with Susan and myself as co-authors. This Op-Ed was published, including a photo of a male Red-winged Blackbird that populates the active nesting area. The Op-Ed emphasized legal protections of active nests, the known migratory bird nesting season of Feb. 15 to Aug. 31, and offered suggestions to members of the public for how to enjoy our wetlands while also being sensitive to likely nearby nests.
As a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, an honor Susan Kirks’ initiative and follow-through literally achieved for Petaluma in 2018, her dedication to and knowledge about our Petaluma environment are exceptional.
During these times of on-going proposals for development and the Petaluma General Plan update, our community needs the leadership of Susan Kirks. We have never had a Mayor with her level of expertise in environmental issues, and it is time that we did. She is also completing mapping of our wildlife corridors and crossings, based on many years of experience here in Petaluma. These are just a few of Susan’s qualifications. Please join me and vote for Susan on November 8th – to have a leader who will protect both our environment and Petaluma’s rural heritage.
Published in the Argus-Courier, September 30
Craig Cherrstrom
Petaluma
The Ramsar Wetland of International Importance for Petaluma’s Wetlands is an honor Susan Kirks’ initiative and follow-through literally achieved for us in 2018. Susan’s dedication to and knowledge about our Petaluma environment are exceptional. She has participated in Petaluma City government for over 20 years and has deep knowledge about our City’s budget, departments and decisions the City Council has made. This is in addition to her environmental knowledge and her care for our community. During these times of ongoing proposals for development and the Petaluma General Plan update, our community needs the leadership of Susan Kirks. We have never had a Mayor with her level of expertise in environmental issues, and it is time that we did. She also recently helped incorporate a new land trust for the North Bay, which will help conserve open space, protect habitat and provide plant-based agricultural opportunities in Petaluma! Please join me on November 8th and vote for Susan for Petaluma’s next Mayor.
Craig Cherrstrom
Petaluma
I am a long-time Petaluma resident and business person, having been part-owner of a trucking company and a retail store for many years. I have served as President of the Hospital Volunteers and the Soroptimists. I am definitely in agreement with Susan’s vision for Petaluma. Her achievements for wildlife conservation and preserving wildlife corridors will keep spaces open and support our rural character. As a 50-year resident living in one of the identified corridors, I know how important these areas are for our wildlife. Susan is knowledgeable in all areas of Petaluma City government and as Mayor will be a leader who makes a real difference for us in Petaluma.
Jo Ingerson
Petaluma
ENDORSEMENTS (partial list)
Kathleen Barker
Craig Cherrstrom
Kathy Cherrstrom
Veva Edelson
Piano Farm
Kathleen Garvey
Kirsten Gilstrap
Jamie Golden
Carolyn Greene, Naturalist
Cathy Heyworth Harris
Eugene Hunn
Jo Ingerson
Sandra Martensen
Lindsay Mickles
Sheryl Nadeau
Cynthia Powell
Tom Reynolds
Steven Schuler
Vi Strain
Marsha Vas Dupre
William Taylor
Joan Vilms
Peeter Vilms
Mari Wright
Kenneth Wright