Letter to the Editor – Democracy Dies in Darkness*
Dear Editor,
“Democracy Dies in Darkness,” the tagline of the Washington Post*, has relevance for the Town of Yountville’s current crisis in leadership.
The stewardship of the town’s resources and success rests with the mayor and Town Council, who have been exposed with the ‘just in time’ analysis of the Commons project. While the town’s manager has departed, the council’s role in oversight of the project, and supervision of staff, must be carefully and objectively evaluated. The Sun should be recognized for its role, notably of late, in casting a clear light on the travails of the Commons project.
Credit too should be given to the consortium that challenged the town’s plans, which are thankfully paused. It is unlikely that a less professional campaign would have resulted in the current pause and analysis scenario that now applies. Again, the Sun has provided a needed platform to explicate the processes underlying the town’s initial plan.
Yountville, writ large, now has the opportunity to fully evaluate the ill-fated Commons project and reexamine fundamental imperatives, counterfactuals and the best means of moving forward. The current Town Council must willingly participate in an independent and rigorous evaluation in partnership with experienced local stakeholders and developers.
The intent of the pause and associated due diligence is not to capriciously cast blame or derision, but rather to inform an evidence-driven path forward. Should failure of stewardship, or leadership be found, full accountability must apply. Residents of Yountville will expect nothing less than the project’s success, inclusive of transparent and accountable leadership.
Finally, in the parlous environment of fake news, alternative facts, and politization we must lead by example with full documentation of our processes and work product.
Stephen Becker
Yountville
Sponsored
Author
