Ask A Former Sonoma Mayor

What was the most challenging part about being Mayor of Sonoma?

Tom Rouse (2014)

The hardest part was recognizing that issues don’t pertain just to me, my interests and my world view. As a representative of the community, I had to step outside my own preconceived ideas and long-held beliefs and make decisions that were in the best interest of the overall Sonoma population. A good example might be vacation rentals. I understand why a homeowner feels they can do anything they want to do with the home they own, but as a representative of the greater community, a good council member/mayor looks at an issue like that and makes decisions that are best for the future of the city as a whole.

Joanne Sanders (2008)

Getting out of the grocery store in less than two hours!

Larry Murphy (1988, 1992)

Serving as mayor was a rewarding and proud experience. However, it was never easy being on the other side of an issue that was supported or opposed by close friends. It’s hard to hide in a small town. Supermarket aisles were the occasion of more than a few awkward encounters. One very divisive issue I remember was the question of the crèche on the Plaza at Christmas. Remove it or not? Feelings were passionate on both sides.

Nancy Parmalee (1976, 1980, 1987)

The most challenging part was getting to be mayor. I was on the council for nine years, and vice mayor for five, when I was able to get three votes to be mayor for the first time.