This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Who's Who in Sonoma: Linda Kelly is Managing Sonoma

Government needs to evolve as the world does, says Kelly

 

Managing a city isn’t an easy gig. And Sonoma is a particular challenge. As city manager, is at the helm of about 80 staff members, the city's regional fire and medical services, not to mention the city-run water and cemetery facilities. 

Before coming to Sonoma four years ago, Linda served as Town Manager in Fairfax. She holds two degrees in Political Science (B.A. and M.A.), but it’s the hands-on experience that has prepared her to face the challenging daily issues of a tough economic climate and address the ’s priorities.

Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Add to that a demanding home life: she and husband Gary have a 15-year-old daughter and a 7-year old son. As she works to keep Sonoma and her family up and running, every day is a balancing act.

SP: What are the stand-out differences between Southern and Northern California?

Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Linda: Open spaces and picturesque landscapes. I see views up here that I only used to see on kitchen wall calendars when I was growing up.  And less traffic and population density.

SP: You started as city manager at an interesting time.

Linda: Right as the recession hit. Budget reductions and belt-tightening has required constant strategizing and problem solving. We can’t separate ourselves from the State’s problems, it seems.

SP: On the upside?

Linda:  Challenges have brought about creative ideas and solutions that may not have emerged in better times. Government needs to evolve as the world does.

SP: What's the best part of your job?

Linda: The diversity of opinions and the ability to debate issues professionally. My job demands constant learning. It’s stimulating and helps me keep an open mind.

SP: As a citizen, what do you most value about Sonoma?

Linda: A small town that is still country, but with a sophisticated edge. And the distinctive and colorful history.

SP: How do you “get away” from the job?

Linda:  Good question!  I don’t do anything remarkable really. I still go to my hairdresser in San Anselmo.  My family knows that’s Mama’s escape.  I get to catch up on Marin gossip!

SP: Do people approach you in the grocery store with questions about issues?

Linda: It does happen. I try and help them as best I can in the moment, if possible. I want the face of City government, all government actually, to be accessible.

SP: Is there a “term limit” on your job?

Linda: The term limit is for as long as the relationship is a productive one for the City Council.

SP: What keeps you interested in your work?

Linda: While the issues have become more intense over the past four years, I’ve become energized and even more determined. There are still new levels of greatness for Sonoma to achieve.

SP: What do you do in your free time?

Linda: Cook meals and bread from scratch, when I have the time. I love to read inspirational books. As a family we watch documentaries, or old comedies like the Marx Brothers!  My son does a great Harpo . . .

SP: If you weren’t in government service, what would you be doing?

Linda: In high school I considered becoming a nutritionist or a graphic artist or a teacher. Those would be fun, but in my job I get to do a little bit of everything, and in that, I am one lucky person. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?