The Jan. 7, 2010 online poll on the performance of the City Council in 2009 was split, with slightly more people saying they were displeased with the council than those saying they were pleased.
Asked which area the council should focus the most attention on in 2010, the majority (55.7 percent) said economic development and increasing revenue.
Here are some of the comments by those who responded to the survey:
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“This council needs to get a grip on reality. We need the Target center along with the Rainier overpass. Hopefully, they will step up to the plate this year and get things done!”
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“With all the financial difficulties we face, the council deserves our support for its ‘smart development’ stance, and insistence on getting better-designed project proposals submitted for approval.”
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“When are Rabbitt, Harris and Healy going to start looking out for the public’s interests, and not the big developers?”
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“What a joke of a council. The mayor and her crew of three should be ousted! They keep putting off Target Center for noise. It is between a freeway, fairgrounds and a race track.”
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“We need to get rid of the no-growth majority on our present council. Petaluma adopted a General Plan. We must pay attention this election year or continue to shop elsewhere and lose tax revenue.”
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“We need controlled smart growth with retail and commercial developments, so that this fine city can adopt and grow in a sustained manner.”
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“You need money to take care of most of these options, and political will, but without money, political will is harder to find.”
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“We must provide economic growth and jobs and keep our shopping local. We need to continue to support the proposed Target and shopping. Our money is going to Novato or Rohnert Park stores every week!”
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“The city cannot survive without attracting business, manufacturing, low-tech, etc. Without it, we may satisfy those who stop any development, but we will not survive.”
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“Well done, council majority! Navigating past the tendency of many who would sell out Petaluma’s soul for quick revenue returns. The majority is making the best use of their time. Example: Silk Mill project.”
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“We need a Target, but not a community-killing, boring 1980s-style big box. Don’t we deserve something better? I wish the council had the guts to simply throw out the current plans and demand better.”
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“The City Council has spent money needlessly, such as the narrowing of Petaluma Boulevard.”
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“The City Council and city management and staff have done a great job in 2009 in very challenging economic and social times.”
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“The care, consideration and planning being given to the Target store project is welcome.”
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“This city always has a council that is back-stabbing and divisive. They never seem to be able to do the business of the people who elected them.”
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“Thank you for supporting us and voting no on Dutra! Thank you for supporting local businesses.”

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“The City Council should continue in its slow-growth approach, and not allow horrible projects like the Regency at the old Kenilworth site. Petaluma does not need more big-box developments. Period.”
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“This is the best and most productive council we’ve had in years!”

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“This council is so much better than what we’ve had to put up with since about 2000. I am grateful for them.”
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“This council has been doing good work. But Rabbitt, Healy and Harris just don’t get it. Build, baby, build — despite the signs of economic ruin of Petaluma’s downtown is such a bad and ruinous policy.
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“We need action, not studies. Our council and mayor are a joke in papers all the way to Portland for rude behavior (Mr. Glass in particular) and studying projects to death so nothing ever gets done.”
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“We are fortunate to have a really good council majority right now that looks at the whole picture — and the future. It’s a shame this newspaper keeps trying to stir up resentment against them.”
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“We all know how the results of this survey will come out, it’s only to bad that our City Council won’t care how we feel.”
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“Vote out the big-box, ‘I love shopping centers’ minority! We need shops downtown, not at malls! Take a stroll downtown and you’ll see the vacant storefronts.”
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“Unfortunately, we generally have councilmembers who are more worried about their next leg up in political employment than creating decisions that aid the overall welfare of Petaluma’s citizens.”
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“Two main projects proposed and the City Council and Planning Commission seem bent on stalling to death. What’s next? Losing workers who would maintain parks, streets, public safety? This is crazy!”
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“This majority on the council needs to be removed. They are crying the city is in the red, yet they postpone once again, a revenue-making decision. A monkey throwing darts would do a better job.”
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“This council gets all tangled up in its skivvies over the smallest of details. This is not leadership. It’s embarrassing.”
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“This council majority has been terrible for Petaluma. Ruled by special-interest groups and personal agendas, Torliatt, Barrett, Glass and Renée will be remembered as a low point in Petaluma history.”
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“This City Council needs to prioritize what makes a city beautiful, livable, and viable. Look at the region. Does the city of Petaluma want to look like Rohnert Park? What makes a city age with grace?”
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“This City Council has focus and determination, too bad they’re just focused and determined to say no!”
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“This city always has a council that is back stabbing and divisive. They never seem to be able to do the business of the people who elected them.”
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“They should do all they can to help local businesses and try to welcome new businesses.”
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“They should be concentrating on making what we have work, budget constraints are going to drive much as we responsibly grow; maintaining and improving the quality of life we enjoy, value and foster.”
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“They new majority of the council needs to recognize they serve all residents of Petaluma — not the ones that voted for them, Mr Glass. I resent this majority telling me what store I will shop at.”
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“They have bankrupted the general fund and missappropriated millions of dollars of ratepayer monies to pay employee compensation increases the city cannot afford.”
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“They are doing a great job, especially their position on smart development.”
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“The silent majority will speak in November 2010. Goodbye, progressive city destroyers!”
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“There is a clear disconnect between the council majority and the average Petaluman. The average resident is not David Keller.”
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“The progressive majority is a cruel joke. All they do is delay, delay, delay. Their firing of the planning commissioners was the biggest power grab in the city’s history.”
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“The Planning Commission episode really turned me off to several members of the council. Folks that I voted for and supported have really made me question why I supported them.”
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“The new council majority is wise in taking the time to consider what is best for the community as a whole, long term, rather than just focusing on increasing sales tax revenue or fixing potholes.”
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“The new council majority is not doing enough to support and attract needed business, especially retail, to provide the tax dollars to fix streets and improve other city services.”
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“The majority council doesn’t have a clue how to help this bleeding city and yet the answers are right before them. Release them. Mayor Torliatt is indecisive, a poor leader and only cares about cyclists.”
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“Their smart growth stance and willingness to see projects through so they make sense economically, aesthetically, maintain a vital downtown is commendable.”
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“The ignorance of your editorials is unbearable. You should be ashamed of yourself!”
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“The definition of performance is to accomplish something. By definition this council is non-performing as they accomplish nothing! Judging from the last council meeting that is not changing.”
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“The current City Council is doing a great job making sure Petaluma remains Petaluma, not strip-mall-town USA. We have only to look to the vapid Kohl’s center to see that failed vision. Save us!”
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“The council needs to move quickly to attrack businesses that generate sales tax revenue and property tax income, as well as adding new jobs, instead of creating roadblocks for developments.”
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“The council needs to learn how to move issues along in a more timely manner. The animal ordinance was two years in the revision and one member wanted to give it more time! Building projects are worse.”
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“The council majority is the worst I’ve seen. Totally out of touch with reality, and no plan for Petaluma. They have done nothing but stall and give double-talk.”
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“The council majority is delaying projects which could help generate revenue. The firing of the planning commissioners was a political power grab so anti-development commissioners could be appointed.”
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“The council majority is against any growth that will create new jobs and taxes. They block efforts that would allow new business to exist here. And they have no answers to keep the city afloat.”
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“The council majority clearly only looked out for their special interest groups — Stop Big Box Petaluma, Living Wage Coalition, Petaluma Tomorrow, Petaluma Neighborhood Association and not the other 60K residents.”
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“The council is superior to the previous council’s eight years. In tough times, we got balanced budgets and start a new Washington interchange. Rohnert Park takes all development but is in a deeper hole.”
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“The council is doing a good job developing a long-term economic plan and avoiding quick fixes that would be trouble later on.”
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“The council has done a yeoman’s job under the severe economic situation we all find ourselves in. I think they’ve done remarkably well under such difficult circumstances.”
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“The council has demonstrated their ability to provide good leadership and make sounds decisions on retail development. Thumbs up to Torliatt, Barrett, Renée and Glass!”
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“The council faced many challenges in 2009 not of their making. I appreciate the ability of the mayor and some council members to listen respectfully to a wide diversity of opinions.”
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“The council did an excellent job of handling finances during this very difficult year. Kudos!”
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“The council as acted correctly and consistently on a key issue of the day, stopping the asphalt plant in the proposed location under discussion. Streets have improved, though not enough.”

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“Thanks to Torliatt, Glass, Renée and Barrett for influencing better new developments out of proposals such as East Washington, concurrently w/ Plan. Comm., attempting to enhance our economy and environment.”
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“Stop obstructing Regency and move on.”
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“Stop getting in the way of economic development. The revenue situation is too dire for the council to keep putting roadblocks in front of new retail, like East Washington Place. Make our city vibrant again!”
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“Some on the council only think of their own political interests. Wake up, City Council. I will not support the mayor for county supervisor. We need strong proactive leaders, not procrastinators.”
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“Smart development means creating sustainable and well-designed development projects, demanding complete environmental review, fiscal responsibility, and long-term impact on the community.”
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“Worrying about ‘increased’ air pollution from delivery trucks to the Target site when a major freeway is just yards away shows the irrational reasoning of our council members. Get real!”
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“Without economic development, the city cannot pay for any other items. The council should get off its dead azz and do something.”

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“We need Karen Nau back on the council!”
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“A 2-question survey, are you serious, come on Argus staff, you can better than this.”
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Smart development!

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slightly rocky start in a very difficult climate. They’ll continue improving!

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Protect our envrornment. Reasonable traffic patterns. Fill empty buildings before building new ones. Water conservation is also important

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Problems can’t be solved by doing the same things that got us here in the 1st place. You don’t have to be Einstein to understand that. Fix what we’ve got:don’t add more traffic congestion.

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Petalumans have said it all too often. Whatever the location, get Target in town!

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petaluma need money an job to pay for impoving street .

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Petaluma is a wonderful town and I would like to see the council preserve the aspects that make it that way… the heritage, the beauty, the absence of ugly big box stores
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Pandering after strip mall developers for sales tax ‘leakage’ is disrespectful to the sustainable General Plan intent of Petaluma’s future. Make Regency/Target do it right or let them go elsewhere.
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Pam and her cronies are more interested in getting her elected to higher office than doing what is best for the city. Healy & Harris won’t make a decision that doesn’t benefit them
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Our smart urban core development has made Petaluma a town I want to live in and shop in. Please keep the features of a livable town in mind when considering future development.
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Our current City Council is the finest we have seen in years. Pam Torliatt is a fantastic mayor, supported by David Glass (former Petaluma mayor), Tiffany Renee, and Teresa Barrett. They care.
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Our council majority really cares about Petaluma. The former councils couldn’t begin to fix our problems. I think the $6 million they GAVE Basin Street in cost overruns caused our economic problems.
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Our Council has my gratitude for their efforts to preserve what is uniquely Petaluma (historical, cultural, environmental) and planning proactively for a healthy Petaluma of the future. Joan Cooper
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Our Council has exercised courage and intelligence working boldly for sound and sustainable development based on the true assets of Petaluma. The Argus hypes fear and special interests.
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NO more hotels, restaurants or antique stores!!(low paying jobs). Bring in real jobs. Bring back our planning dept. Stop converting commercial/industrial land to residential usage. create a tax base!.
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New retail– a lot of it– is needed desperately. Millions of dollars will start flowing into the City’s bank account once some of these projects are approved and start construction.
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New economic plan should offer balance between community values, sustainable practices and bringing in revenue. Also would like to see support for creation of AG jobs and green jobs.
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New developments have been floating for years. We are lucky developers want to improve our City. Council are making things extremely difficult. Commitments and follow through are essential.
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Most Petalumans are caring, thinking individuals who care about the environment, community and preserving the small-town feel and the council speak for them; that’s what we elected them to do.
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More thoughts:EncouragePpublicParticipationInAllMatters b4Council&Commissions&Committees;DevelopBayAreaRegionalTourism–>Visitor’s Center; Encourage+MjSmoking 4Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Assoc.
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Members of the City Council must begin making decisions based on the good of the City of Petaluma and not their individual agendas. Unfortunately the loudest voices may be the minority.
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Mayor Pamela Torliatt is great!! Love her.

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Maybe they could start by taking a pay cut. They’re sure quick to cut other peoples wages, now it’s their turn. We need cops and firefighters more than city council members.

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Let’s get the new Target shopping center going!
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Let’s get going on the Target/ Friedman Bros shopping center.
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Let’s break ground on TARGET/Friedmans asap!! Thanks
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It is all about the money. The council should either cut services or collect more sales tax. There are no other choices.
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In 30 years I have not seen a council run more poorly than the current group. The majorty makes decisions behind closed doors & then votes in lock step. The city deserves better.
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If the Council appoints citizen committees or contracts for studies, the Council should not then ignore the citizen input and consultant recommendations.

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If half the energy dedicated to bad-mouthing the council was spent volunteering to help, this town would not have near the problems. – Stop flapping your jaws and VOLUNTEER.
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i do not support torliatt and her gang’s approach to enconmic development. i do not support increased taxes or the water rate increases.

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alternative transportation based development…using the rail corridor/bike paths/transportation hub
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We agree that this new City Council is the ALL INCLUSIVE government. This council has but the ‘city’ back in City Council, they’ve worked very well with a very tough hand that they’ve been dealt.
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I would also like to add that the town of Petaluma is just fine and dandy without a Target. People will still have to leave town to shop at Costco..and a million other things. L
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I want to see the council continue to be thoughtful and make the the right choices, these new projects have the potential to make or break Petaluma’s unique character.
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I voted for SMART GROWTH not NO GROWTH. The delay over the Lowe’s & Target is disappointing. We need jobs and revenues or lose more services. To shop out of town is wasteful & polluting. Wake up!
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I think the current council is doing a good job.
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I think the City Council works hard and these economic times are really challenging all of our elected officials. I think water conservation is an important and huge issue for all of Sonoma County.
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I think our current majority has the unfortunate duty to repai years of poor management by the former majority. Too bad they receive NO support from the Argus Courier!
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I support PT etc. to help Petaluma grow but not allow rabid developers to take over! If the people of this town want a Target and Friedmans than lets do it, but in the end we deserve the BEST Proj.
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I sincerely believe the current council is serving the needs of ideology, not the needs of the community.
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I appreciate the council being careful about big box projects, despite all the pressure from the folks who are pro-developement.

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I am very proud to have such a great team as a City Council in 2009 In Petaluma! Thanks for stand united to save our community ‘gem’ our Schollenberger Park @ Haystock Landing. Israel Escudero
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I am tired of the city council underhanded-ness
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I AM TIRED OF GOING OUT OF TOWN TO SHOP.
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I’m proud that the Council majority has stuck to their principles and considered policy and development with Petaluma’s long term future ultimately in mind. Will definitely be voting for them again.
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How much City $ was spent with all the legal problems this City Council has created this past year? The City Council all lives on the west side and that might explain why they make their decisions.

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Hillside Development and Ridgeline Preservation draft recommendations need final approval. The Development Code Advisory Committee needs to be reactivated to finish this important work in 2010.
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GET THE KENILWORTH PROJECT GOING SO IT WILL CREATE MORE JOBS FOR PEOPLE OF PETALUMA
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Get Target in and Rainier freeway ramp
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Economic development should be their priority. then this City could save it’s self. This is the worst council I have ever seen and I was born here. No council would be better than the one we have.
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Economic development is very important but that doesn’t mean blanket approval of a project just because it may bring us future tax profits. Careful and wise planning is needed as our council is doing.
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Don’t waste any more time or resources & pass target & deer creek asap we cannot afford to delay anymore. The progressive majority are fast becoming regressive. What are they waiting for?

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Council smart growth majority did an excellent job of managing in spite of a disruptive and destructive minority.

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Council majority needs to go

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Continue focusing on the city’s special character especially the historic downtown, cultural and natural resources, conservation, innovative transportation solutions, & support of local businesses.

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Compared to the last CC line up, our present council has been doing a much better job. Despite the criticism/prejudice of Argus/PD they’ve been able to make sound decisions in such a formative year.

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City Council needs to approve Washington Place – The whole process has been an embarassment to our town – Get with the program!

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City council is out of touch with the common folk. Doesn’t understand that most people can’t afford to live in a town that does not provide shopping alternatives.

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Approve Target & Lowe’s to jump start our economic recovery. Construction, management & service jobs are all good jobs and many people are willing to step up and fill them with pride, not disgrace.

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Approve Deer Creek Village so we have a Lowe’s in town! The project conforms with the General Plan we just adopted in May 2008. David Glass and Mayor Pam are determined to destroy our city.

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Appreciate unanimous votes against Dutra asphalt.

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Also repairing Petaluma streets. E.Madison St. between Sonoma Mt. Pwky & Washington st. One of the most traveled streets is one of the worst streets in town.

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