Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Oct. 7, 2024

McPhail Sridharan best for District 2 supervisor seat

As someone who proudly lives, works and raises a family in Marin County, I am excited to have Heather McPhail Sridharan’s leadership in the District 2 seat on the Marin County Board of Supervisors. I urge voters in our district to support her in the Nov. 5 election.

McPhail Sridharan has championed students within our community by serving as a trustee on the Kentfield School District board as well as serving as chair of the Safe Routes to School program. Most recently, I had the privilege of working with her on the community advisory group for the Project Homekey site at 1251 S. Eliseo Drive, where we both also served on the public safety committee.

McPhail Sridharan understands the role of government, how it operates and the needs of our county. Not only is she an advocate for our community, but she is someone who is not afraid to speak her mind and does so collaboratively, empathetically and intellectually.

I am so thrilled that McPhail Sridharan is running for the seat. I know that we would all be incredibly lucky to have her representing our community.

— Alicia Esterkamp Allbin, Kentfield

Support Robert Sandoval for seat on MMWD board

I am writing in support of Robert Sandoval for the Division 2 seat on the Marin Municipal Water District Board of Directors. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, ensuring Marin County’s resources and communities are well-represented and secured.

Sandoval’s diverse background of Latino and Jewish heritage has shaped his values and approach in all aspects of his life, embodies the spirit of inclusion and equity and makes him well-suited to represent and serve a wide range of communities.

As a former California deputy attorney general, as well as in his roles on the San Rafael Park and Recreation Commission and Point San Pedro Road Coalition, Sandoval has gained valuable experience and confidence to tackle complex issues like water-rate affordability, MMWD’s financial stability and securing our water supply. He has a young family, with the future of raising his kids ahead of him. I think his priorities are aligned with all of Marin County.

— Daryoush Davidi, San Rafael

Vote yes on Novato Measure M sales tax

I am writing in support of Novato’s Measure M, the sales tax proposal on the November ballot. I was originally drawn to Novato 15 years ago for its fantastic rural feel while still being close to San Francisco. I am raising two boys here and have owned several homes.

What I treasure most is Novato’s tight-knit community. Throughout the years, we have taken advantage of recreational opportunities. My sons played almost every sport in the book and spent countless hours at indoor activities (like gymnastics) and at local summer camps.

It is through these activities that we met and built our community. We see those families while eating at our restaurants, shopping at our stores and walking to and from our schools. Those connections build an enjoyable, safe and thriving community. We all value it and need to foster it. We need to invest in our community so we can continue to support the services that help to build these connections.

I strongly support Measure M for Novato and want to encourage my neighbors to do the same.

— Heather Pool Epstein, Novato

League of Women Voters provides online resource

From local ballot initiatives to important state and national races, it is crucial that voters in Marin County make their voices heard this election year.

Vote-by-mail ballots will soon be arriving in our mailboxes. As League of Women Voters of Marin County president, I want to ask a question: Are you ready to mark your ballot or do you need more information before voting?

The League of Women Voters can help. Vote411.org is an online source of information that is unbiased, nonpartisan and free. By entering your address, you will be able to see what is on your individual ballot. You will find out how each candidate feels about the issues affecting your town or district. Drop-box locations are listed, as is information about our candidate forums and a pros-and-cons presentation for state propositions. It’s a one-stop location for voting information.

We are dedicated to making sure that all voters can cast their votes with confidence. Remember to vote by Nov. 5. Your vote matters.

— Kevin Hagerty, San Rafael