For Immediate Release
Contact: Connie Madden (707) 781-9311
August 10, 2004

Pamela Torliatt and Cindy Thomas Endorsed by Petaluma Tomorrow

Petaluma Tomorrow, a citizen's group advocating Open Government, Responsible Growth and Sustainable Watershed Management, has endorsed two-term incumbent, Pamela Torliatt, and challenger, Cindy Thomas, for Petaluma City Council.

Torliatt, first elected to the council in 1996, is viewed as a leading champion of the group's goals of sustainability, community, and the public interest, according to Petaluma Tomorrow's board chair Larry Modell. "Pamela works very hard and very effectively for this city and this region," said Modell, noting that she has represented Petaluma on a number of important regional boards. "She is also a paragon of civility on a sometimes fractious council." Torliatt has stated that she cares about the community's issues and is always willing to meet with any member of the community to discuss their concerns."

"We are also delighted to endorse Cindy Thomas," Modell said. "Cindy would bring a perspective to the council that it greatly needs, that of an experienced advocate for working families," he added, referring to Thomas's role as a vice president of a union local. Modell noted that most recent councils have been made up overwhelmingly of local businesspeople. "That business perspective is important, but it doesn't reflect the experience of all, or even most, Petalumans. Cindy's commuting, work, and union experience will bring an important new voice that needs to be heard here." "Cindy has 25 years of experience as a voice for working people and is recognized as a longtime leader in the North Bay Area. She has served as VP of Service Emplyees Int'l Union Local 250 (SEIU 250) representing 86,000 Health Care Workers in Northern California.

Petaluma Tomorrow, which is also the sponsor of a campaign finance reform initiative on Petaluma's November ballot, has a website at www.petaluma-tomorrow.org

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Petaluma Tomorrow is a citizens advocacy group working for open government, responsible development and sustainable watershed management.