Yountville Sun 2026 Candidate Questionnaire

Part 3 includes questions 9 – 14

Dear Yountville Sun Readers,

Following are the questions the Yountville Sun asked via email, and unedited answers received from each of the seven candidates that were qualified to run the morning of Sept. 17.

Each candidate received the same questions on the same day, at the same time, and was asked to reply to confirm receipt of the questionnaire. The responses were due no later than 7 p.m. on Sept. 23 and all seven original candidates that met the filing deadline replied.

Candidates received 13 questions; the three incumbents received an additional question. Word limits for each question were listed.

The answers are listed in rolling alphabetical order by the last name each respondent:

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member
Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member
Robin McKee – Office of Council Member
Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor
Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor
Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member
Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

9. Measure Y on the Nov. 3 ballot would increase Yountville’s appropriations limit for four years, allowing the town to spend additional revenue it already collects without imposing a new tax. Do you support Measure Y? Why or why not?

Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member

I support Measure Y. Measure Y does not create a new tax or increase an existing tax. It allows Yountville to continue using revenue it already collects by increasing the town’s state mandated appropriations limit for four years.

Yountville should have the flexibility to use the revenue it receives to provide services, infrastructure, invest in our community, and respond to future needs. At the same time, Measure Y should not be viewed as a blank check. The Town Council will still be responsible for deciding how public money is spent through the normal budget and public process.

Fiscal responsibility comes from careful budgeting, transparency, strong financial oversight, and asking whether individual expenditures provide real value to residents. We can maintain that discipline while still giving the town the flexibility to use the resources already available to it.

Robin McKee – Office of Council Member

In 1990, California voters adopted Proposition 111, establishing the 1986-1987 fiscal year as the base year for the town’s appropriations limit, to be adjusted annually based on changes in cost of living and population. If the town receives more than its appropriations limit in tax revenues over a period of two fiscal years, it must return those excess tax revenues by a revision of tax rates or fee schedules within the following two fiscal years. Voters may change the annual appropriations limit at an election for up to four years following the election. So, decisions made on November 3, 2026, will run through November 2030.

Passing Measure Y merely sets a spending limit for the term. Failing to pass Measure Y could constrain the town’s, and future councils’ ability to appropriate qualifying revenues it already receives. It creates no new tax. It is a renewal of an existing authority. With market volatility, having flex room in the budget provides a sound base for Yountville’s financial strength for the coming four years. It doesn’t mean the town will spend it – it means the budget has room to make sound decisions if conditions change.

Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor

I support Measure Y and believe revenues collected in Yountville should remain available to support Yountville residents, infrastructure, and services. Measure Y does not create a new tax. It simply allows the town to continue spending revenues it already receives on local priorities.

Yountville voters have consistently supported similar measures because they understand the importance of maintaining local control over local resources. Supporting Measure Y helps ensure the town can continue investing in infrastructure, public safety, and community services without unnecessary restrictions.

Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor

Yes, I support Measure Y. This measure is needed to update Yountville’s appropriations limit – referred to as the Gann Limit – to fully spend the revenue it already collects from the Transient Occupancy Tax (hotel tax) and sales tax on local services like parks and recreation, law enforcement, fire, and emergency services. It is important to note that this is not a tax increase, and no additional taxes are included in this ballot measure. For many years, the town has needed to file similar ballot measures (all of which have passed) because the town has repeatedly raised over pre-established revenue limits. It is required to update the limit during an election. It is a very favorable situation that most cities and towns do not experience.

Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member

Measure Y if approved will allow town general fund spending to exceed the “Gann” limit, which is set by a formula that takes into account several factors. Yountville has voted consistently in favor of this in the past. Without approval, town general fund revenue that exceeds the limit cannot be spent, and funds for the many services that benefit the residents and businesses would not be available. I fully endorse voting in support of Measure Y.

Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

Measure Y would increase Yountville’s constitutional spending limit by $3 million plus 25% of the prior year’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue annually for four years, beginning FY 2027–28. It would not increase existing taxes or create new ones.

Supporters argue that the measure would allow the town to use existing revenues for essential services, including police, fire, emergency response, parks, and infrastructure. Pro-measure advocates note that Yountville voters have historically approved identical or similar Gann Limit adjustments at least 10 times since 1985 to keep up with the town’s tourism-driven economy.

On the other hand, opponents favor maintaining spending limits to encourage fiscal discipline and accountability.

Yountville’s hospitality industry is central to this discussion. In FY 2025–26, TOT generated approximately $9 million – 60% of total tax revenues. Yountville’s 11 hotels and inns, comprising 453 rooms, generate virtually all TOT revenue.

I would like to hear directly from our hoteliers, whose businesses contribute so substantially to Yountville’s financial health.

Do they favor greater flexibility to fund essential services? Or would they prefer maintaining spending controls and potentially receiving tax or fee relief?

Their perspectives, alongside those of other stakeholders, would help inform my position on Measure Y.

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member

I do not support Measure Y. I’d rather the town first rebuild trust through disciplined, transparent spending decisions under the current limit, and only then make the case to voters for more flexibility, with a specific, well-justified purpose attached rather than as a general four-year expansion.

Given what residents just went through with the Commons, I think it’s completely inappropriate to relax spending constraints.

10. What principles should govern Yountville’s use of reserves, borrowing and major capital spending? Should certain major expenditures require additional public review, independent financial analysis or voter approval?

Robin McKee – Office of Council Member

After much discussion, the Council unanimously adopted an updated Fund Balance (Reserve) Policy in May 2024 that requires a minimum of 35% of General Fund expenditures to be held in reserve, with 20% restricted for emergency use and 15% assigned as contingency.

The policy doesn’t restrict how emergency funds are used; it simply groups natural disasters and public health emergencies together, since all can cause revenue shortfalls.

With regards to major expenditures and capital spending, the town discloses how and why it plans to move forward. This is where a project dashboard could help inform the public ahead of time so they could weigh in on financing options and alternative ideas. Having the public vote on operational expenditures would delay repairs and increase costs, so unless a project is optional and extraordinary, I don’t advocate for putting it on a ballot.

Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor

I am committed to maintaining Yountville’s long-standing reputation for financial responsibility and prudent planning. Strong reserves should be protected because they provide stability during economic downturns and emergencies. Borrowing should be used strategically and only when it serves a clear public purpose and aligns with long-term financial goals.

Major capital investments should be guided by long-term planning, community benefit, and fiscal sustainability. Significant projects should be reviewed publicly, and when appropriate, supported by independent financial analysis and additional community engagement.

The goal should always be responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources while preserving the town’s long-term financial strength.

Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor

The council should govern with principles including honesty, ethical behavior, prudent planning for infrastructure replacement, and following industry standard practices. The council should follow policies that protect against misuse or misappropriation of public funds. Laws often guide how funds are used (such as public contract code). In 2006, the council could have voted on its own to develop the Community Center at a cost of approximately $9 million and create long-term debt without support from residents. Instead, to make sure a majority of the community supported the project, it was put to a vote with two ballot measures that raised TOT by 2% and dedicated those funds to build what is now a cherished community gather place. That avoided forcing a major capital project and long-term debt on residents.

Reserve funds are critical to be prepared for emergencies and should be protected from being depleted for non-essential uses.

Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member

Yountville updated its Reserve Policy in the last several years based on principles from the Government Finance Officer’s Association (GFOA). A GFOA study considered disruption scenarios where and made reserve recommendations, which the town followed. The town currently is in compliance with this prudent reserve policy.

The category of professional services expenditures (architects, engineers, lawyers, facility operators) does not require the town manager to solicit competing proposals. The public has questioned the process of vendor selections for existing uses at the Commons without council review of competing proposals. The town should adopt a policy requiring any contract amounts for professional services above $100,000 be made only after the Town Council considers competing proposals.

Late in the Commons process studies on the amount the town could borrow and the financial feasibility of the project were presented. Neither study modeled the impact on a decrease in TOT or Affordable Housing funding on town finances, though I asked for this. Any future borrowing decisions need to include modeling of the impact if town revenues were to decrease, and this analysis should occur early in the process before significant dollars are spent on any project.

Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

Yountville’s financial decisions must reflect fiscal discipline, transparency, accountability, and long-term planning.

Reserves should protect against emergencies and economic downturns, not routinely fund operations. Borrowing must be financially prudent, with clear repayment sources and understood long-term costs.

Before committing taxpayer dollars to major capital projects, the town should require:

1. Comprehensive business plans evaluating alternatives, costs, benefits, and timelines.

2. Independent financial analysis, including long-term operating and maintenance costs.

3. Meaningful public engagement BEFORE major decisions are made.

4. Clear accountability, measurable milestones, and ongoing financial reporting.

Exceptionally large projects warrant additional public scrutiny and independent analysis. Voter approval should be considered where legally appropriate, particularly for substantial borrowing or long-term financial commitments.

Yountville Commons illustrates why these safeguards matter.

We must plan not just two years ahead but 20. Our responsibility is to make informed decisions today that protect Yountville’s financial health for generations.

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member

Reserves should be there to protect the town through emergencies and downturns, not treated as a flexible fund for ambitious projects. Borrowing should be a last resort, weighed against its real long term cost to taxpayers, not just how convenient it is right now.

For major capital expenditures above a set threshold, I’d support requiring independent financial analysis before the town commits and either voter approval or a real, well-publicized public review process for anything that uses a substantial share of reserves or puts the town on the hook for multi-year financial risk. Residents should never again find out the scope of a major project after millions are already spent.

Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member

Yountville has benefited from years of careful financial management, and we have a responsibility to protect that foundation. Reserves should provide stability during emergencies and economic downturns, not become routine sources for ongoing expenses.

Borrowing can be appropriate for major, long-lived investments when the benefits extend across generations, but debt should be evaluated conservatively and within the town’s ability to maintain essential services and future flexibility.

As the financial size, duration, or risk of a project increases, so should the level of scrutiny. Major commitments should include clear public cost estimates, long-term impacts, financing alternatives and where appropriate, independent financial analysis before a final decision.

Public review needs to reflect the scale, and long-term impact of the decision. The council must ultimately weigh that information and make decisions on behalf of the community. Direct voter approval should be reserved for extraordinary long-term financial commitments.

11. In Yountville, elected officials, residents, business owners, developers and other stakeholders may have personal, professional or financial relationships. If faced with a conflict of interest, either legally or appearing as such, how would residents know that your decisions are being made in the public interest?

Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor

Public trust is essential to effective local government.

My guiding principle is that every decision should be made in the best interests of Yountville and its residents. If I face a legal conflict of interest, I will fully disclose it and follow all requirements regarding recusal. I chose to personally fund my campaign because I wanted to dedicate my time to engaging with residents and addressing community concerns rather than fundraising. This approach helps ensure my decisions are guided by the interests of the community and the facts before me.

Even when no legal conflict exists, I believe elected officials should be mindful of situations that could create the appearance of a conflict. Transparency, consistency, and accountability are critical to maintaining public confidence.

Residents should expect their elected officials to put the community first, and I am committed to doing exactly that.

Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor

Personal relationships are a part of small-town life and that shouldn’t be a negative. Professional and financial relationships and recusing from votes are regulated by state law. The Levin Act (“pay-to-play law”) passed recently by state legislators requires any public official to recuse from voting on an item if they have accepted a campaign contribution over $500 from the applicant or their agents within 12 months of an item being brought before the governing body. It also requires a member to recuse if such a donation is accepted up to 12 months after the vote. This could be a direct contribution (cash) or indirect (meals etc.) with value exceeding that limit. Failure to recuse from such a vote could nullify the decision. Beyond that, we must elect officials who are transparent and who behave ethically and morally whether the law or code requires it or not.

Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member

Acting in the public interest requires a willingness to investigate what best serves the Yountville public. This means asking questions, listening to the public, putting personal preferences to the side, changing course as information emerges, and taking difficult stands. I have adopted this approach despite criticism of some council members and one previous well-paid town consultant. My goal in representing the public with integrity is to ensure that clear, thorough, and objective information is available before important decisions are made.

I listen openly and have the background to understand business concerns. It is not surprising that individuals who have invested significantly in our town want to have effective town leadership. The town and its businesses need each other to be successful. We have the same goal: a beautiful and well-run town that is financially stable. It is positive that as a council member working for the community, I have open and productive communication with the businesses in Yountville that provide the town with revenue and residents with enjoyable venues.

Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

My six years’ experience as a homeowners’ association board member has reinforced the importance of identifying financial conflicts, disclosing them, and recusing oneself when required. Public office demands the same vigilance, governed by strict state laws.

Based on established legal and ethical guidelines, my approach would be straightforward:

Know the law. Comply with the Political Reform Act and Government Code § 1090, which govern financial conflicts and interests in public contracts.

Identify conflicts early. Review agendas in advance for potential conflicts involving personal finances, property, or business interests.

Seek expert guidance. Consult the town attorney or request written advice from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) when questions arise.

Recuse properly. Publicly disclose disqualifying interests, abstain from participation, and leave the room when required.

File on time. Submit required Form 700 Statements of Economic Interests accurately and promptly.

The principle is simple: Public service must come before personal financial interests.

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member

My opinions and actions are based on common sense, discussions with other residents, and what I feel is best for the future of our town — independent of any outside influence. I have no professional or financial ties to Yountville developers, business owners, or contractors, and I’d disclose any relationship that could reasonably look like a conflict and recuse myself if one arises.

Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member

Public trust depends on avoiding actual conflicts of interest and being open about relationships that could reasonably raise questions.

If I believed I had a potential conflict, I would disclose it, seek advice from the town attorney, and recuse myself from the discussion and decision. I would rather address a potential conflict openly than leave residents wondering if it influenced my vote.

Not every personal or professional relationship creates a conflict, particularly in a small community like Yountville. In those situations, transparency becomes even more important. I would disclose relevant relationships and explain the basis of my decision.

Ultimately, residents should be able to see who I am, who I have relationships with, when I step aside, and why I make that decision. Public service requires putting the interests of the community ahead of personal interests.

Robin McKee – Office of Council Member

California law requires council members to follow strict conflict-of-interest laws. We’re regularly required to take educational courses with tests to uphold certifications. This standard is required of town staff too.

FPPC laws state that any council member facing decisions that involve residents or businesses who gave $500+ in campaign donations, faces restrictions surrounding the donor’s interests during the preceding 12 months. If I was ever to be faced with a personal conflict, I’d recuse myself and disclose any relevant connection(s). That includes disclosing donations made to my campaign.

Elected officials are community members first and foremost, and the public should question all of us openly and thoroughly. I support online dashboards for council members disclosing votes, attendance, abstain and recusal records, campaign finance filings, and PAC donations. The council has voted to adopt everything surrounding the Commons 5-0, and the public is not aware of that.

12. Debate in Yountville has become, at times, contentious. What responsibility do elected officials have to maintain civility, and how should they respond to residents or fellow council members who strongly criticize them? Where do you draw the line between inappropriate conduct and legitimate dissent?

Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor

Elected leaders should always be respectful and courteous, even when others may be angry or disruptive. The council should not be dismissive, argumentative or condescending toward members of the public. I know that’s difficult, but it’s part of being an elected leader. I was taught as a young carpenter superintendent to praise in public and criticize in private. That was in a very different work environment. Certainly, council members can behave with at least that level of decorum. Beyond that the mayor, as the leader of the council, has an obligation to control council members who speak or act with disrespect or animosity toward other council members, town staff or the public. Criticism and sometimes abusive behavior from the public comes with the job, unfortunately. Regardless, council members should always abide by the oath of office and code of conduct they pledged to uphold.

Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member

All discussions among council members need to comply with the council “code of conduct,” which prohibits assigning motives to council members, personal attacks, name calling and “eye rolling.” Council members have not adhered to these standards. And while the code of conduct does not prohibit council members from calling members of public names or denigrating public participation, recent conduct by council members is not acceptable. This conduct undermines public participation and the calls by council members for less divisiveness. The mayor, as presiding officer of the council (Town Attorney Bell’s terminology) sets the agenda for meetings and directs the meeting. As such, he or she needs to intervene at a meeting when the council conduct does not meet the required standards.

In terms of public participation, all dissent and criticism if stated in a civil language is legitimate. It is a council member’s job in fully representing the public to listen to and consider criticism and dissent by members of the public and business community.

Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

Elected officials should maintain civility and respect for everyone. Excessive personal criticism and ad hominem attacks have no place in constructive public discourse and should be addressed when they occur.

Yountville’s Code of Ethics, included in the 2023 Town Council Handbook, provides clear guidance on the standards of conduct expected of public officials.

Several excerpts are particularly relevant:

• Public deliberations and processes (should) be conducted openly… in an atmosphere of respect and civility.

• Be Respectful: Treat each other with respect, even when, and especially when, there is disagreement.

• Engage in open and honest communication

• Be honest and truthful: Act with integrity and authenticity

• Address difficult issues

• Find areas of common ground

• Be open to different perspectives

• Give the benefit of the doubt

• Role model good leadership

• Be considerate of each other’s time

Conduct: Council members shall refrain from personal charges or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of others.

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member

Elected officials should expect, and honestly welcome, criticism as a normal part of public service. Residents are allowed to be frustrated, especially when they feel unheard. The council’s job is to stay professional, listen without getting defensive, and respond to the substance of a concern rather than the tone it comes in.

Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member

Elected officials have a responsibility to set the tone for public discussion. That means approaching disagreement with genuine curiosity, sharing relevant information openly, and listening to understand rather than simply preparing a response.

Strong criticism is part of public service. Residents and council members should be free to challenge decisions and assumptions. When disagreements arise, I would focus on the interests behind people’s positions, test my assumptions against available information, and look for areas where we can jointly design the next steps.

Civility does not mean avoiding disagreement. It means remembering that we are not opponents. We are neighbors, residents, staff, and elected officials trying to work together to solve difficult and complex problems together. We may disagree strongly about the path forward, but we are still on the same team, working toward what is best for Yountville.

Robin McKee – Office of Council Member

Yes, debate has become contentious this past year, and civility has been challenged.
In our close-knit town, it’s perfectly natural that not everyone agrees on everything. Dissent is about decisions; conduct becomes a problem when it targets people. That’s where the line should be drawn, in my opinion.

If the community has questions, concerns and complaints, public comment during council meetings is exactly the place to speak up publicly. This council voted to add two minutes to what former councils allowed, nearly doubling each speaker’s time, because we genuinely want to make space for the public.

The mayor should use the gavel when needed, and yes, council members are responsible for upholding decorum. Personally, I have experience letting passion surpass judgement. I’ve apologized and learned from my mistake. We are all human and we are all one community. We all need to express ourselves in a way that benefits Yountville.

Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor

Elected officials have a responsibility to model respectful and constructive behavior, especially when opinions differ.

I am committed to building a town government where residents feel comfortable participating, expressing concerns, and sharing different viewpoints without fear of personal attacks or intimidation. Healthy debate and constructive criticism are essential to good government and should always be welcomed.

The line is crossed when disagreement becomes personal, discourages participation, or undermines respectful public discourse.

We do not have to agree on every issue, but we should always treat one another with respect. My focus is on listening, finding common ground, and keeping the conversation centered on what is best for Yountville.

13. If you believe a particular decision is in Yountville’s long-term best interest, but a large number of residents oppose it, would you follow your own judgment or the position of the community?

Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member

This is a difficult question and answer may depend on the type of issue. Generally, after listening carefully to the community and working to provide information that supports my perspective on the issue, I would tend to defer to the community perspective. In evaluating the outcome of possible future events, reasonable people can differ on what may be the long-term consequences of a decision. That said, where I had concerns about opposition to a proposed decision, I would work hard to make sure the residents who opposed the decision had complete and clear information from town staff and other professionals. The community in Yountville is astute. My hope is that given the best professional input and evaluation, a decision that was acceptable to the community could be made.

Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

A current council member has stated council members were elected to make decisions for the town. I disagree. I believe the Town Council’s role is to make decisions WITH the community, not FOR the community.

When viewpoints conflict, I would first listen – to residents, fellow council members, staff, and the town attorney – making sure we agree on the problem to be solved. Then I would rely on facts, sound reasoning, and open discussion to find the best path forward.

I would look for common ground and compromise when possible – not because everyone will get everything they want, but because collaboration often produces better solutions.

Ultimately, elected officials have a responsibility to exercise their best judgment – but also to listen carefully to the people they represent. I may not always agree with the majority, but I would never dismiss it. Good governance requires both leadership and listening.

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member

A council-member’s job is first and foremost to represent residents, not override them. In general, strong opposition is a sign that something in the plan or the process needs to change. If I found myself in a situation where my personal view conflicted with the majority of residents, I would take the time to better understand the issues and work through them to achieve the best outcome possible.

Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member

I do not assume my judgement is automatically better than the community’s nor do I believe leadership means simply following the loudest majority.

When important decisions are being made, my responsibility is to listen carefully, share relevant information openly, test my own assumptions, and understand the interests behind different viewpoints. From there, I would work to build a pragmatic solution that responds to those interest while still addressing the larger problem.

My job as a council member is to take all that information seriously and use it to make the best decision I can for Yountville. That may mean changing my position or finding a different path forward that better reflects what I have heard. What matters is that the final decision is thoughtful, transparent, and grounded in both the community’s concerns and the long-term needs of the town.

Listening to the community and exercising independent judgement should not be competing responsibilities. Good leadership requires both.

Robin McKee – Office of Council Member

My platform when running for my first term in 2022 was that I’d listen and use my voice in support of the residents of Yountville. That has not changed. I’ve used my voice to influence policy that serves residents and to push back on developers who may have started out a little heavy-handed with initial plans for buildings. I’ve used my voice to support the thoughtful expansion of businesses, while at the same time, listened to neighbors who were concerned. I’ve used my voice to stand up for residents and businesses when I contacted state and country leaders to complain about PG&E and about vineyard spraying near homes.

I don’t sit on the council to impose my own thoughts. But I do exercise judgment. I start from what residents tell me, and when I reach a different conclusion, I say so publicly and explain why.

Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor

I do not see those as opposing choices.

My responsibility is to listen carefully, understand differing perspectives, and make decisions that reflect both community input and Yountville’s long-term interests.

When significant opposition emerges, that is a signal to slow down, listen, and better understand the concerns being raised. In my experience, the best solutions often come from that process and result in stronger proposals and broader community support.

Residents elect council members to exercise judgment, but that judgment should always be informed by meaningful public engagement. Lasting solutions require both good leadership and community trust.

Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor

Working in local government for 20 years, I have faced this dilemma a few times. I can proudly say that I will follow the best long-term interests of the community, even when I feel the impacts as mayor. I will sleep well knowing I followed my ethical and moral code and did my best to make good decisions. Being a leader sometimes means making decisions that some people don’t agree with for the greater good. As mayor, I will serve our entire community to the best of my ability.

14. To incumbent candidates only: You were each in office during the development of the Yountville Commons project and departure of former Town Manager Brad Raulston. What is one decision with each issue (the Commons, the departure of the town manager) you made during your term that you would make differently today?

Robin McKee – Office of Council Member

On the Commons: I was an early supporter because of the 74% vote on Measure S supporting workforce housing, and because building a first phase using “form based” architecture offered flexibility. I went into the February 17 meeting with reports that focused only on the first phase. When discussions surrounding the full buildout ended up being the main topic, the conversation never returned to 30-45 units. What I’d do differently is insist on seeing the public-facing materials beforehand to confirm that the focus on the first phase was unmistakable. For the record, I said at the next meeting that I’d vote no on anything further until clearer phasing plans were made available, and I stand by that.

On Mr. Raulston’s departure: personnel matters and potential litigation are among the few permitted grounds for closed session, and those rules exist to protect the town and its employees. I wouldn’t change how I handled the confidentiality. Because we could say nothing publicly beyond the press release, I understand that the silence on the details of his departure and severance is frustrating, but I took an oath to protect Yountville, and I don’t regret keeping it.

Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor

Leadership requires a willingness to learn and improve.

Regarding Yountville Commons, the community was engaged throughout a process that spanned more than two years. However, some residents felt that as the project evolved, information became difficult to follow, and it was not always clear how public input influenced decisions. In hindsight, we could have done a better job explaining key decisions, communicating project changes in plain language, and creating more opportunities for meaningful dialogue. Those efforts would have helped residents feel more informed, heard, and connected to the process.

Regarding the town manager transition, personnel matters are legally confidential and must be handled in closed session. While details could not be shared, I recognize that the limited public information created frustration and uncertainty for some residents. Looking back, I would have placed greater emphasis on communicating the process, the legal constraints involved, and our commitment to maintaining stable and effective town operations throughout the transition.

Both experiences reinforced my belief that clear communication, transparency whenever possible, and meaningful public dialogue are essential to effective local government.

Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member

I would not change my abstention on voting to accept the resignation of Mr. Ralston, which was approved by the other four council members. Upon advice of the town attorney, this is all I can say about this topic.

I also would not change my sole dissenting vote on the January 13 decision to pave the way for the Commons project by amending the General Plan, approving the environmental documentation, changing the site zoning and subdividing the site into multiple parcels. In retrospect on the January vote, I would have discussed my concerns in more detail in advance with individual council members, which is permitted by the Brown Act. Although I had discussed concerns individually with council members earlier in the process and commented at public meetings, it is possible that the outcome would have changed if I had discussed my specific concerns when the underlying documentation was released for review in early December.

Parts 1 and 2 can be found online here:

Yountville Sun 2026 Candidate Questionnaire – Part 1

Yountville Sun 2026 Candidate Questionnaire – Part 2