From: Phill Carter
To: Mary Gourley
Subject: Committee Rational Letter
Date: Monday, December 15, 2025 2:19:44 PM
Dear Mayor McLewis,
Here are my committee assignment preferences for your consideration. These selections align with my professional expertise, ongoing city initiatives, and areas where I believe I can provide the most value to our community. My strongest desire is to be on the Sonoma Clean Power as Primary and realize I am very involved in many others.
Committee Preference Rationale
Sonoma Clean
Power Primary
This is my strongest preference. I have significant expertise in power grid operations, SCP's structure and officers, and critical policy opportunities. I've submitted an agenda item on e-bike loans and am prepared to advocate for developing Distributed Energy Resources using SCP's funds, as well as exploring geothermal options. This may be one of the most important state-level issues in the coming years to ensure affordable power for growth.
Budget
Committee Primary
I'd like to continue the work I began this year, maintaining direct contact with Ana and staff to understand our progress and identify improvement opportunities with fine detail.
Climate Action
Committee Primary
I've been very active on this committee and hope to
continue given my domain expertise and passion for climate action.
Enterprise
Oversight
Committee
Primary Given my budget experience and MBA background, I'd like to be involved in this committee's first year of development.
EIFD
Subcommittee Primary
My MBA and financial background position me well to
explore how this tool can support our budget and
Commons/library development.
SCTA/RCPA Alternate
As a clean tech expert with experience in renewables and active transportation, I can augment my climate action work for the city.
Zero Waste
Sonoma
Alternate
I've made important contacts and learned quite a bit, but I'm happy to offer the primary experience to another council member.
Chamber of
Commerce
Primary or
Alternate
Either role works well as I already work closely with the Chamber and this ties directly to my Economic Gardening Program work.
Sebastopol
World Friends
Primary or
Alternate
I'm particularly interested as my daughter has been selected to go to Takeo this year, and I'd love to build these
relationships.
Sebastopol
Commons
Alternate
While it meets frequently, the alternate role allows me to stay informed on growth opportunities crucial to
understanding our budget dynamics.
These assignments are interrelated and support my goals as a council member. They also capitalize on my professional experience in energy, finance, and sustainable development.
I'm happy to discuss any of these! Congrats on reaching Mayorship Best regards,
PhillC