Letter to the Editor: Three votes are needed for change
Dear Editor,
Three votes are the required majority for the Yountville Town Council.
Three of the five Town Council seats, including the mayor, are in play in this November’s election. The current Town Council, with the notable exception of Councilmember Trippe, took the town to the brink of catastrophe with the now-defunct Commons project. The just-in-time referendum put the project in abeyance, and simultaneously energized town residents to take an unprecedented and active role in town politics. The Commons discussions and issues related to the resignation and severance package of the previous town manager filled the Town Council chamber to overflow, these led to eight active candidates for the open positions, and several hundred attendees at the recent Candidates Forum night.
It is not overstatement to say that the next 12-18 months will indelibly shape Yountville, and leadership capable and committed to the town’s success is essential. Only three candidates – Joe Tagliaboschi, Hillery Trippe and Jill Turner – stand distinct from the others in terms of experience, demonstrated leadership and business skills. The election of the three will ensure an objective reconsideration of the YES property, full engagement of all town stakeholders and much needed equipoise.
A re-imagined Commons/YES project is the central, but by no means the only imperative that the Town Council and the newly appointed town manager must address. Mr. Tagliaboschi, Ms. Trippe and Ms. Turner, along with new Town Manager Heather Abrams will provide the needed and thoughtful leadership that is capable and proactive to prepare the town for its future success.
One final note from this observer: the newly engaged, educated and questioning town has also put forward two talented next-gen candidates ready to take the baton by the time of the next election in 2028. This time, “Do the Right Thing” is close at hand.
Stephen Becker
Yountville
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