Novato election includes District 1 council contest
Two candidates are competing for an open seat on the Novato City Council as the city faces key decisions on budgets and leadership in the next few years.
The seat in play in the Nov. 5 election represents District 1 in the northwest part of the city. Kevin Jacobs, a retired construction superintendent, and James Petray, a retired accountant, are vying for the seat being vacated by Susan Wernick. She chose not to seek reelection.
Two other incumbents, Tim O’Connor in District 3 and Mark Milberg in District 5, are running for reelection against no opposition. At the same time, Novato residents prepare to vote on a proposed sales tax increase that advocates say is necessary to solve the city’s ongoing budget deficits.
O’Connor and Petray have characterized themselves as reasonable and competent candidates who can cooperate with the council and provide insights into the city’s development.
“I am very distressed over the condition the city’s in, that it’s been allowed to get to,” Petray said. “I am hoping that someone with my skill set can work to bring Novato back to life and realize its true potential.”
Jacobs, who said he has lived in Novato for 40 years, touted “a deep commitment to this community.”
“With my extensive experience in construction and a passion for service, I am ready to tackle our challenges and advocate for solutions that benefit everyone,” he said. “Together, we can build a vibrant and inclusive future for Novato.”
The biggest issue facing the city has been its budget problems. The city has proposed a sales tax increase called Measure M that would adjust the rate from 8.5% to 9.25%.
The tax increase would require a majority vote to pass and does not include a sunset provision. It is estimated to raise approximately $10.3 million a year in unrestricted general fund dollars. The city’s budget has had five consecutive years of deficit spending.
The candidates are not completely aligned on the issue.
Jacobs is adamant that Measure M must pass. He said the funds would not only allow the city to fix various deferred maintenance issues, but also focus on employee retention.
Jacobs said he does not believe it would affect consumers coming to Novato to shop because the tax rate would be commensurate with other municipalities in the area.
“I think it’s necessary,” Jacobs said. “It’s going to give us the influx of money we need to balance the budget.”
Petray said he is conflicted and not sure that without the tax that the city could dig itself out of its financial hole. He also said he is concerned about the lack of a sunset clause or financial controls and said that they should be instituted after its passage.
“I will vote for it with caution,” he said. “Once its earmarked by the council, with the cooperation of the city manager, put controls in place so that it is in fact used for those purposes before they are spent.”
Housing has also been among the city’s most debated issues. Both candidates said that new housing — especially residences that are identified as affordable — should be aligned with the city’s limits on services and infrastructure.
Jacobs said the proposed developments on Grant Avenue in downtown Novato appeared to be a money grab.
“As far as low-income housing, we need it,” he said. “We need it in a reasonable way.”
Petray also said low-income housing should be developed where appropriate.
“I don’t know anyone in this town that is for that project for so many reasons,” he said. “It is going to alter the character of downtown forever.”
Novato has a city-sanctioned encampment at Lee Gerner Park for homeless residents, but it was recently damaged by fire. The city has sought a solution to find a location for homeless people to settle with housing or services.
Petray said the city should ultimately find a solution to get the campers to a “better place.”
“I, for one, have compassion for these people,” Petray said. “I don’t think it was intended to be a permanent place.”
Jacobs said he knows unhoused people who have used services to find places to live.
“We need to work with them and we need to provide them with some housing,” he said. “We need to provide them with whatever we can to get them off their feet.”
Novato City Council candidates
Kevin Jacobs
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired
Education: Two years, College of San Mateo.
Experience: Member of the Novato Design Review Commission; Novato Chamber of Commerce board member.
James Petray
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired
Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, University of Santa Clara.
Experience: Former board trustee, the Hanna Center; former president of the Sonoma County Family Justice Center.