Ask A Former Sonoma Mayor: Advice for President Biden?

Nancy Parmelee

(1976, 1980, 1987)

There is quite a difference between Sonoma, where council members are not split into camps, and Congress, where there is strong pressure not to cross into another camp. I think President Biden does need to reach out to the other side but not to expect reciprocity. Therefore, I am pleased that President Biden has chosen intelligent cabinet members who will be interested in their responsibilities. They should bring quite a few different ideas for him to consider on various issues. His top priority is getting the pandemic under control so the economy can recover. I would follow with a strong bipartisan infrastructure program effort. My only advice would be to keep up the good work.

Doug McKesson

(2006)

President Biden will surround himself with qualified people who for the most part are adept at navigating the complexities of Washington’s bureaucracy. Hopefully, he will strengthen old relationships and build new ones in both the Senate and the house. The president needs to stay calm and work on legislation that benefits the country as a whole. There is no quick fix. Good luck Mr. President!

Joanne Sanders

(2008, 2012)

Our new president should focus on healthcare and economic recovery. Getting the vaccine distributed to all Americans should be his top priority. He should use his experience to unite us in our mission to end the pandemic by squashing COVID. This will give people the confidence to go back to work. Oftentimes newly elected presidents say they’ll work across the aisle to get things done. We need that kind of collaboration now more than ever.

Valerie Brown

(1990)

Because our new president understands how to get things done and the process... he will have to assess the programs put in place by his predecessor, appoint good staff that he trusts, and listen. The first 100 days are an opportunity to lay the framework for a successful term of office. The most important thing is to have trusted people who will tell you the truth and be willing to compromise. Transparency is key in a democracy.

Laurie Gallian

(2011, 2016)

Reflecting on the events of Jan. 6, 2021 I am supporting this newly elected President of the United States to uphold democracy and condemn the lies and sedition that brought insurrection to our U.S. Capitol.

Beyond President Biden’s commitment to the essential issues of COVID-19 response, economic relief, climate policy, and racial justice I would advise President Biden with all his years of experience to seek unity where you can, and act unilaterally where you must because, in all these things, time is short. Shorter, in fact, than any constraint policy has experienced in the past. The gravity of this unique trial of circumstance is upon us. Mutually reinforcing codependent crises requires a comprehensive set of responses.

Truly the time is now or never.