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Politics & Government

Candidate Viewpoint with John Dell'Osso

The election is just weeks away. In Cotati it is a four horse race for three available seats on the City Council plus there is always the possibility of a write-in candidate. The Patch is talking with each candidate so we can learn about why they think

Editor's Note: Please note this is not an endorsement by the Patch for this or any candidate. We are giving the same questions and opportunity to all candidates so that they may express their thoughts to our readers in an attempt to get to know them better and what they think is important.

John Dell'Osso's background includes serving on the Cotati City Council from 1994 to 1998 including serving as the Mayor in 1996. He has also served on the city's Environmental Advisory Commission, has been a Board Member of the Cotati Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Rohnert Park-Cotati Library Foundation. Along with being a current Council Member for the City of Cotati, he is the Sonoma County Library Commissioner.

Why are you running?

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I was appointed to my current position and it was going to only be for 18 months. I ran 15 years ago to make this a better place for my family and to contribute and give back to the city. But at that time my kids were younger and I needed put time with my family first. Now is an okay time in my life to run again because I have the time that it takes to do this job. The state has taken away a lot of our development money, as well as in other cities. Now it is a case of seeing what can we do with our budget to work on projects and needs for the city.

I can see the future of us doing business by using fundraising and grants along with other ways to fund our projects and get things done here in the city while still keeping a balanced budget.

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What do you want to accomplish?

Economic development is a big key. I would like to see the city get a strong foothold on a tax basis. I would like to see us fill the vacant storefronts. Planned growth is important along with having a long term vision about what would truly be sustainable. The downtown area could use so more TLC and the northern section of the city could be developed and has a lot of potential as long as it works.

Economic development is a full time job and is very important. I feel we have gotten better at being a 'business friendly' city and it is important to streamline the process and get more businesses in here. While we have gotten better there is always room for improvement and I would like to see that continue.

Are there any issues critical to you?

Measure U is a big issue for the community right now. I am really not in favor of it. The verbiage is very limiting which really reduces the options available to us when looking at planning. Also as I said before I think economic development is a critical issue and should be very important to us as a whole to retain businesses and bring in new business where applicable.

What qualifies you?

I have experience on the council and as being Mayor. For the years that I was on the council I consistently received 'A' grades from the Sonoma County Conservation Action for how I voted and listened to the public on environmental issues while serving. I have a lot of familiarity with the city and 28 years of experience working with the government. Also I have familiarity with various programs, looking at the budget, and have a keen interest in listening to people.

Why should people vote for you?

I take this work very seriously. I am a very hard and dedicated worker who has always felt that it is important to give back. I've done a lot of volunteer work in the city and this position is one of the biggest ways that I can give back to the community. It is not only about making this city a better place for me and my family but it is also about making this a better community for all of us.

For more information on John you can view his profile at Smart Voter.

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