News

After Thanksgiving dinner at my brother-in-law’s, the conversation turned to politics. It had been proposed earlier in the day by someone who doesn’t particularly like a ruckus that this year we avoid talking about politics. It’s not as if someone says, OK, we are now going to talk about politics. Around the table were extended families members from Amador County (where we gathered), Sonoma County, Kern County, and Shasta County. We were talking about how disparate parts of California see themselves and each, about sports, schools, the environment, agriculture, jobs, churches. Having gotten that far down the road, the next step into politics was probably inevitable. My brother-in-law said, “No offense, Marvin, but the religious right scare the bleep out of me.” Someone else said, “Marvin’s not that conservative.” He said, “He is about some things.” The other person said, “He’s liberal about some things.” I didn’t have to say anything, and so I didn’t. The conversation continued on its way without me.

After reading Shonnie Brown’s article about Joel and Renee Kiff I just have to comment on what Joel Kiff means to me. We moved to Healdsburg in September of 2006. I was helping out with the HFM annual pumpkin race when someone called my name. I turn to see an older gentleman who I didn’t recognize staring at me. I took a closer look and then said “Mr. Kiff?” He gave me a broad smile as I was coming out of my initial shock. It was not only fifty years since I had seen him how could he not only remember me but also recognize me after having taught hundreds, if not thousands, of students.  

My wife, Susan, died from ALS in 2007 and donated her body to research. A few weeks ago, studies found that NFL players are at greater risk of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).  Papers like this one ran stories about the news and rightfully so. But with Veterans Day approaching on Sunday November 11, how many of us know that a much, much larger segment of our population — military veterans — also is at greater risk of Lou Gehrig’s Disease?

In 1972 my wife Bonnie and I came to Healdsburg from Calistoga, where I had been the Vicar of St. Luke’s Church. Many churches now have a fairly extensive series of profiles and interviews prior to calling a priest. In 1972, the move was made based on two phone calls from the Bishop, one to me and the other to the Senior Warden of St. Paul’s. When I met the leaders of St Paul’s for the first time it was an accomplished fact that I was their new priest. Neither Bonnie nor I was yet 30 years old and we had a McGovern for President sticker on the bumper of our old Chevy sedan.

I have read the commentaries of candidates for the City Council with great interest. It is obvious to me that some of the candidates have really done their homework to learn the issues through the media, from members of the City Council and the City staff. Every candidate was encouraged to meet with City staff which included the City Manager, City Attorney and department heads. Most chose to, a couple did not. Their commentaries reflect that.

I want to earn your vote! You and I have the great pleasure to live in Healdsburg where, for over 150 years, people have built a great community, come to each other’s aid when required, and looked forward to an ongoing future of growth and prosperity. I believe we are now at a crossroads. One where your future city leaders will decide whether we can afford to do all the great things we want to do.

I want to earn your vote! You and I have the great pleasure to live in Healdsburg where, for over 150 years, people have built a great community, come to each other’s aid when required, and looked forward to an ongoing future of growth and prosperity. I believe we are now at a crossroads. One where your future city leaders will decide whether we can afford to do all the great things we want to do.

As an engineer, I have worked on projects ranging from anti-counterfeiting machines for currency to designing office furniture to a giant floating swan named Sandy. One thing is common in all these projects — I have to work well with others in order to accomplish a goal. I have had the pleasure of working with many people with many different personalities, good and bad. I realize that I may not have the best ideas myself, but as long as I have built a relationship with someone who has a good idea, we can work together and get something done.  

It has been an honor serving as your Mayor and Councilmember over the past eight years. I have lived in Healdsburg my entire life. I attended local public schools and have served our community for more than 35 years: 28 years with the Healdsburg Police Department, and eight years as a Councilmember and Mayor.