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David Rabbitt
David Rabbitt, 49, said a year ago running for county supervisor wasn’t on his radar.
But after Pam Torliatt announced she was seeking the 2nd District seat Rabbitt was recruited by people in the business community as a counterpoint to Torliatt’s candidacy.
Labeled business-friendly, Rabbitt said he simply realizes the need to encourage businesses to build or expand in Sonoma County, bringing with them their sales-tax dollars and jobs to a lagging economy.
“The truth is, supervisors don’t create jobs,” he said. “The important thing is the whole business sector needs to survive and prosper. My background gives me the insight to know which things can create jobs and which are detrimental to that.”
He said he is leery of taxing a population that is already hurting and has concerns about raising development fees on builders.
Rabbitt said “everything has to be on the table,” including employee pensions and a two-tier benefit program, in cutting costs to reduce the county’s $62 million deficit.
“And I think everyone knows that,” he said. “It’s going to be very unpopular with a lot of people. But we have to make the right decisions to make the county move forward.”
An architect and father of three, Rabbitt emphasizes his small-business experience and community commitment.
“I have government experience on the council and boards. I have business experience, which is vital. I am an architect, which is important for land-use issues,” he said. “If an individual only has government experience, that means you don’t have life experience to draw from to make decisions on big policy issues for the county.”
Rabbitt opposes the Dutra asphalt plant as it’s currently proposed but said it would be irresponsible to issue a blanket opposition “regardless of where it is.”
“In theory,” he said, he supports a quarry on Roblar Road because it would create jobs and a locally produced product. But, he said, it hasn’t been determined whether the impacts could be mitigated.
Rabbitt highlights his endorsement by current Supervisor Shirlee Zane, who also endorsed Torliatt.
“Shirlee is looking at who she wants to work with,” he said. “We need to break the cycle of environment versus business. All these problems are too big to be couched that way.”
- Lori A. Carter
The Press Democrat
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Supervisor Candidates weigh in on Dutra Asphalt Plant
David Rabbitt:
“Better community outreach up front when the proposal was first initiated might have helped alleviate some concerns or at least the community would have been given a venue to share their thoughts. I do believe the south county needs a local source of asphalt, more so with the anticipated freeway and road improvements. I believe the number of jobs created and augmented is significant as well as the money saved through proximity. Aesthetically, I have concerns, especially as one enters Petaluma from the south. For me, it remains to be seen whether these concerns can be remedied and overcome.”
Argus Courier, May 2010
Rabbitt is now, nor has he ever been committed to opposing Dutra’s asphalt plant.
He is solidly in the Kerns, Kelly, and Carrillo camp. Stop trying to pull the wool over the voters’ eyes.
Allen, why do you make up tales? Rabbit is not for the casino. Perhaps you should give him a call and find out his position before you put untruths out here. David will be the first person to talk to you or anyone else about the issues and his position on the issues.
Great that you are for Mike. He is a good guy. Just don’t put out fallacies about David.
Everyone knows that Zane endorsed Rabbitt so that Torliatt could try to pick and choose who she wanted to run against in a run-off. Better Rabbitt than Healy. Both Zane and Rabbitt have been used by Torliatt’s left of center faction of Sonoma County Democrats. I am a Democrat too.
Rabbitt’s a decent guy, but no shining star.
Rabbit also has no position on the casino which means he’s for it. We can’t afford a do-nothing on that issue, because if we don’t watch out, we’ll have five or six casinos here in Sonoma County.
What impresses me about Mike Healy is that 1, he’s not a political insider 2, he isn’t endorsed by the powerful influential groups (who will get their gaendas run once their candidate is elected) and 3, he’s really smart. He is really ingenious and a real consensus-builder. He listens to the people which is why he wants to give them the vote on so many things like the Ranier crosstown and the casino advisory votes(both of them, including his most recent attempt at a countywide vote that Pam Torliatt voted against)
Olivia, I believe they are SSU students.
Did Rabbitt get out the High School vote? High School age kids canvassed our Petaluma neighborhood recently.
Oh Tom how correct you are about pandering, although David’s “special interests” are our community, the kids & recreation, health and welfare of families, public safety, reducing unemployment, protecting our land for future generations. Call the hardworking, everyday members of our community whom are endorsing David Rabbitt, WE are his special interest!! Keep up the good work David!
Tom, you defined someone running against David to an exact – not looking out for everyone except for special interest groups. David looks out for ALL.
Uck! Rabbitt would make a horrible Supervisor. All one needs to do is take a look at his voting record as council member and look where his campaign contributions are coming from. He’s clearly pandering to special interests groups and not to the community in which he lives. Terrible choice.
Go Rabbitt!
Who do you support in the south county supervisors race?
* David Rabbitt (70%, 465 Votes)
* Pamela Torliatt (25%, 167 Votes)
* John King (2%, 14 Votes)
* Mike Healy (2%, 13 Votes)
* None of the above (1%, 9 Votes)