GE forms town-advocacy group

Town Forum intended to gain stronger voice in county|

The natives are restless. But in a good way.

Glen Ellen residents are banding together to form a loose alliance in a grassroots effort to gain a political voice. A third meeting of the group, tentatively named the Glen Ellen Town Forum, was held Dec. 5, at Dunbar School. First District Supervisor Susan Gorin was in attendance.

At the meeting, attendees identified several areas of focus for the group, which include creation of community government, maintaining the character of Glen Ellen, the future of the Sonoma Developmental Center property, a town garden, town beautification projects, vacation rentals/tourism/wineries, open space/wildlife/watershed, disaster preparedness and more.

Attendees were asked to sign up for a committee, meet together over the next two months to make goals and create “plans of action,” and report back at the next meeting on Monday, Feb. 6.

There was a lively discussion about the use of the county revenue generated by tourism. Vociferous opinions were raised and kept on track by moderator Michael Furlong. Gorin explained that the money went to county visitors bureaus, tourism advertising and some to roads and other services. Opposing voices emphasized the desire that money generated by tourism should go to local services such as the fire department, road upkeep, and public safety specific to Glen Ellen.

Some in attendance wanted more street lights and some wanted the rural starry sky at night. Some called for safe pedestian paths in town, and others don’t want the town “paved over.” The suggestion of a sign welcoming people to town was countered by those opposed to welcoming more people to the small village.

Residents interested in becoming part of the new group should attend the next meeting of the Glen Ellen Town Forum on Monday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. at Dunbar School.

Contact Leslie Vaughn at leslie_vaughn@att.net for more information.

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