From: Janice Piehoff < >
Sent: Monday, October 7, 2024 10:33 PM
To: Laura Sparks <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Susan Harvey <[email protected]>; Sylvia Lemus <[email protected]>; Kay Rivers <[email protected]>; Kelly Betts <[email protected]> Subject: Potential Fraud Support No on Measure J
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Dear Mayor Sparks and Councilmembers of the City of Cotati, As a 3rd generation local resident of Cotati, I urge you to take a position to oppose Measure J. Measure J is the biggest threat to our entire county today. If passed, Measure J will force multi-generational family farms out of business. In doing so, several jobs will be lost, as well as housing in those farms providing housing for employees and their families.
However, the effect of Measure J will not be felt solely on the farms that meet the animal population of the proposed ordinance, but the rest of the farms in Sonoma County will struggle due to the loss of economies of scale. Smaller farms that are able to take advantage of bulk pricing on account of supply and demand, will find their feed and input prices increase; this at a time when viability is already in question. Other businesses will close, including feed mills, feed stores, and livestock supply stores. Veterinary services may still be available, but at a higher price and less availability.
As taxpayers, we should not have to endure cuts in the county budget to pay for this unnecessary program should Measure J pass. The dairies, farms, and ranches in Sonoma County practice sustainability, and are leaders in regenerative agriculture and climatesmart practices. This measure is simply part of a larger agenda to end animal agriculture. It doesn’t look like Sonoma County is going to fall prey to this tactic and I urge you to join us in opposing Measure J.
Warm regards,
Janice Piehoff