About Cynthia Garfield
Taking care of our spectacular natural assets!
I first served on City Council from 2016-2020. In that term I championed plastic reduction, a smoking ban and supported council attention to environmental improvements. My service with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Point Lobos Foundation and Ventana Wildlife Society strengthens my commitment to strong environmental stewardship based on proven science and actionable solutions.
Citizen - City Partnerships add so much to our city. Involved citizens make a difference.
In January, 2025 I was appointed to fill a vacated seat on Council. I am the Council liaison to the Natural History Museum and the Chautauqua Hall renovation project. In the later role I work on coordinating the City's contribution to the project, as I did in my first term supporting the City's contribution to the Library Renovation. I am also part of a steering committee for the Friends of Perkins Park - a group of neighbors that raise money to help the city maintain the historic shoreline park with its spectacular display of the "Magic Carpet" of pink flowers every spring. In all these roles I see my job to make sure the City's partnership with engaged citizens works well for all partners.
Making use of training, education and experience
I have Master's Degrees in both Business and Social Work. Those degrees may seem very different, but I find them to be similar. Both emphasize understanding problems and finding workable solutions. My training in group meeting facilitation and mediation supports collaboration with my colleagues - teamwork, respect and cooperation yield better results that benefit everyone.
Reaching out to understand
When a difficult issue arises, those most concerned may be vocal in presenting their points of view. I believe it is the job of city government to hear those voices, understand those concerns and then take the next step to reach out to get at all sides of the issue. Outreach isn't simple and isn't "one and done". I believe we best represent our community when we continually consider many points of view and find the results that best benefits the whole city in the present and for the future.