Community-Based Priorities Announcement
Breaking News: Our Community-Based Priorities
On the evening of October 7th, I spoke at the Race to November Rally and shared for the first time the top three priorities as identified by our neighbors at this point in our campaign together. These issues came up over and over again during our listening sessions and during our one-on-one conversations.
Please check out the video on Instagram and on Facebook and post it on your social media so that we can share these priorities with our friends and neighbors. Thank you!!
Breaking News: Key Endorsements Secured
The Press Democrat and the Petaluma Argus-Courier have endorsed Brent
Read the endorsement here. Here is the full text of the District 2 endorsement:
"The race for District 2 pits one environmentalist with council experience — John Shribbs — against another without it — Brent Newell. Shribbs, a retired biological research scientist and high school science teacher, is the incumbent. He mostly votes in the city’s best interest, but can waste time on the dais. This appears to frustrate some of his colleagues, which is perhaps why fellow council members Brian Barnacle, Kevin McDonnell, Janice Cader Thompson, Karen Nau and Frank Quint have all endorsed Newell, an environmental lawyer instead.
The Press Democrat likes Newell’s fresh attitude, and his efforts and push to meet as many community members as possible have not gone unnoticed, as he has connected with groups throughout the district. The only pause Newell gives us is over his priorities; while his top priority is to bring more affordable housing to the city, which is great, his next priorities “are those you identify because I will work with you to achieve your goals,” his website reads.
Petaluma needs a leader who has strong policymaking skills. We want to give Newell the benefit of the doubt that the work he’s putting in now will continue to guide his policymaking. The Press Democrat recommends a vote for Brent Newell."
Upcoming Events, Listening Sessions, and Group Canvassing
We just had two great listening sessions on October 5th and October 6th, and just announced the community-based campaign priorities. We will continue to schedule and hold listening sessions, so please go to Events for more information on how to participate in these informal meetings where you can meet Brent, hear about the three priorities, and share your priorities for our community.
If a Listening Session is not scheduled at a time that works for you, or if you just want to step up and host one in our neighborhood, our campaign will assist you. Please reach out for a conversation or go to Host a Listening Session and we will be in touch with you to support an easy and fun gathering of your friends and neighbors.
With ballots mailed on October 5th, now is the time to make sure that we knock on all the doors in our neighborhood. But to do that, I need your help. Please join our campaign for group canvassing in our neighborhood on the following Sunday mornings at 10:00. We will bring the donuts and coffee for extra fuel. Sign up here.
October 11 meet at Eagle Park on Almanor Street near Rainier Circle.
October 18 meet at Leghorns Park on Sonoma Mountain Blvd.
Why I’m Running
I have the skills, experience, and commitment to effectively represent our community on the Petaluma City Council. I believe in bringing people together to solve problems and ensuring Petaluma remains a place where families of all backgrounds can thrive.
I was fortunate to grow up in the Petaluma area, and my wife, Beckie, and I were able to raise our family here. Today, too many working families, young adults, and seniors are struggling to afford a home. As a council member, I believe we have an obligation to address the housing shortage while preserving the character of our community.
I bring decades of experience representing community-based organizations. In that role, I have advocated for their priorities in court, before local governments, and in the Legislature. For example, I represented local organizations opposed to the expansion of the Redwood Landfill along the Petaluma River and supported Sonoma County agricultural leaders to defeat Measure J.
If elected, I will focus on three areas. The first priority is more affordable home choices. The other two priorities are those you identify because I will work with you to achieve your goals.
I respectfully ask for your support to be the District 2 representative. Together we can serve our community and keep Petaluma thriving because, as the late Senator Paul Wellstone said, "we all do better when we all do better."