Healy, Miller and Kearney Win Council Race, Measures X and Z Fail

Updated Wednesday 11am with comment from Kathy Miller

Mike Healy, Kathy Miller and Gabe Kearney have won the Petaluma City Council race, dealing a resounding blow to the progressive candidates, none of who managed to grab a seat on the council.

Healy, a three-term city councilman picked up 25 percent of the vote, while Kathy Miller, a former planning commissioner and local real estate attorney, netted 16 percent.

Gabe Kearney, an emergency preparedness coordinator for Kaiser appointed to council in January 2011, received 17 percent of the vote, surprising many who did not consider him a strong candidate.

Healy and Miller ran a joint campaign promising more pro-development policies aimed at generating revenue for the cash-strapped city. Kearney, a virtual unknown two years ago, voted in favor of the Friedman’s shopping center and has been perceived as being favorable to new development, although he describes himself as an independent.

“This is a vote for moderation and that’s a good thing," said Kathy Miller. "With the economy being what it is, we need to get revenues in and people have recognized that…I look forward to being able to roll up my sleeves and getting down to work.”

Councilwoman Tiffany Renee finished fourth with 14.5 percent of the vote, Jason Davies with 13.8 and Alicia Kae Herries with 13.2 percent, a crushing defeat for Petaluma's “progressive” wing, who support finding alternative ways to generate revenue.

Tuesday results mean that the City Council majority will now be comprised of politicans who take a more favorable view toward new development, including incumbents Mike Harris and Chris Albertson.

The new council will likely weigh in on a 200-plus housing development off Hopper Street and another near D and Windsor streets that plans to add nearly 100 homes.

Outside of council, Measure X, the parks and other recreational facilities tax, garnered 61 percent, which while impressive, but not enough to pass the two-thirds approval theshold.

Measure Z also came close, with 62.6 percent, but ultimately failed. If approved, it would have added a $60 per parcel tax for residents served by the Rancho Adobe Fire District.

Sound off. What do you think about the results?