Letter to the Editor – Civility matters: Leaders must raise tone to gain trust, name-calling has no place on Yountville Town Council dais

Dear Yountville Sun Editor,

This past week, I attended the Town Council meeting expecting a discussion on the merits of our town’s future. Instead, I witnessed a moment that fell short of the standards our leaders have sworn to uphold. When a member of the Council calls a constituent—in this case, Chef Thomas Keller—a “liar” from the dais, it isn’t just a personal slight; it is a departure from the rules that maintain the integrity of our local government.

The Importance of Our Shared Standards

As someone who has navigated the challenges of leadership, I know firsthand that maintaining composure in the face of disagreement is a learned skill that requires constant practice. Civility is a two-way street; while constituents must also remain respectful and constructive in their engagement, the burden of maintaining the highest standard of decorum rests with those in power. Our Town Council rules exist to guide us precisely when emotions run high on both sides:

• Section 9.7.4: Maintaining Decorum Our rules explicitly state that “derogatory, snappy, or sarcastic comments towards… a member of the public… are inappropriate.” Public service requires a level of restraint and emotional intelligence. When decorum fails, the “mutual respect and courtesy” demanded by our code is lost.
• Section 4.3: Avoiding Personal Charges This section mandates that officials “refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of others.” By labeling a resident a “liar,” the discussion moved away from the “merits and substance” of the project and unfairly put Mr. Keller on the defense, forcing a resident to defend their character rather than discuss the matter at hand.

Why This Matters for Every Resident

This isn’t just about the individuals involved; it is about the environment we create for every citizen of Yountville. Section 4.3 also requires Council Members to “listen attentively to public discussions.” It is impossible to listen with an open mind when the focus has shifted toward formulating a verbal attack that leaves a constituent feeling targeted.

When an elected position is used for name-calling, it creates an environment of intimidation. Just as we expect the public to address the Council with respect, we must ensure our leaders set the tone. If a world-renowned figure like Thomas Keller is forced onto the defense simply for expressing a viewpoint, it sends a chilling message to the average resident who may want to voice a concern or share an idea.

A Path Forward

I want to be clear: I am incredibly grateful to the town for everything it has done and continues to do. These observations are not meant to be a personal critique, but rather a positive step toward better communication. My goal is to ensure we remain the best version of ourselves.

I think it is vital for the town to find a forum to build back trust with the community. We need a constructive space where those who have lost trust in the process can reset, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of how we can move forward together. Leadership is about the courage to learn from the moments where we fall short. It is time for a return to the civility that our own Town Council rules require—and that the people of Yountville deserve.

V/r,

Jennifer Brusstar

Yountville Town Council Handbook Available Here

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