Fairfax Election: 5 Compete For 3 Seats On The Town Council

FAIRFAX, CA — As Fairfax leaders continue their search for a new police chief and the state's extended fire season persists, racial equity and climate change reside at the forefront of the Town Council's race. Five candidates are running for three seats on the council on Nov. 3.

The three incumbents are John Reed, a retired film animator, running for a fourth term; Bruce Ackerman, an engineer, running for a second term; and Barbara Coler, an environmental scientist for 40 years, running for a third term.

Their opponents are Chance Cutrano, environmental nonprofit director and Joe McGarry, a food service director.

Coler, 68, has said the single most pressing issues within Marin County are housing for inclusion, social justice and racial equity.

"Marin County (including our cities/towns) is the least diverse county in the State of California," Coler told Patch earlier in October. "My view is that this is largely due to our housing policies, lack of truly affordable housing and resistance to change. Supporting new and retaining existing affordable housing, as well as adopting housing social justice policies (e.g., renter protections) are critical for increasing diversity in our Town."

Ackerman, 66, is prioritizing climate change in his campaign.

"I developed Fairfax's first Climate Action Plan and founded the Climate Action Committee," Ackerman told Patch in early October. "Currently re-writing the Climate Action Plan to address the Town's resolution of a Climate Emergency."

Ackerman says he brings a practical engineering background and a balance viewpoint to discussions.

"[We] will be working with the newly-formed Racial Equity and Social Justice Committee to find ways to elevate the community's attitudes and actions, while understanding that Fairfax has and will continue to serve in many ways as a model of a tolerant, open community," Ackerman said.

Challenger Cutrano, 27, also echos that climate change should be at the top of Fairfax's concerns.

"Climate change is the issue of our epoch," Cutrano told Patch in October. "...I will work creatively with my fellow council members, our Town administration, our Town committees, intergovernmental stakeholders, and our Fairfax residents to ensure our ongoing planning, our ordinances, and our capital expenditures are aligned so that we can actually implement our plans and create a more resilient community."

Stay tuned to Patch on Election Day for results.

Still need to cast your vote? Find the closest absentee ballot drop box or polling place in Marin County.

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Find more Patch coverage from California 2020 election here.