While the topics of kindness and civility opened the Aug. 4 Yountville Town Council meeting, public calls for respectful disagreement, transparency and accountability set the tone as residents urged elected officials to improve meeting decorum, questioned a six-figure severance payment to the former town manager, asked for senior housing protection and sought greater oversight of […]
Town Manager
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor – Yountville taxpayers deserve answers on Raulston’s severance; who approved the payout?
Dear Editor, Recent accusations from several sources have reminded me of this troubling question: Why did former Town Manager Brad Raulston receive a six-figure severance package when he was the one who quit? Let’s start with some facts – all of these in the public domain (see links below). On June 6, 2023, Bradford Raulston […]
Posted inNews
Public records detail Raulston’s resignation, $150,381 severance
The Yountville Sun has acquired public documents that detail the resignation and severance agreement of former Yountville Town Manager Brad Raulston. The reason for Raulston’s departure was announced in a press release by the Town of Yountville on April 29, which stated, “Raulston has decided to care for his wife and make way for a […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor – No reason to postpone town manager recruitment
Dear Editor, The recruitment process has begun, and I believe the Yountville Town Council selected an excellent executive search firm to find applicants for our new town manager position. The firm has not only placed other town managers in that job, but the lead recruiter has been a town manager herself. I believe this firm […]
Posted inNews
Town Council Meeting overshadowed as vice mayor criticizes fellow councilmember
“If you’re going to call someone out, you should do it with the courage by name” The regular meeting agenda for the Yountville Town Council on July 21 included items such as announcements, proclamations, time for public comment, the consent calendar, staff presentations and informational reports. Mayor Margie Mohler, Vice Mayor Pam Reeves and Councilmembers […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor – Town Council Member Reeves’ dark thoughts at the 21 July Town Council Meeting
Dear Editor, The most recent Yountville Town Council meeting was remarkable following Councilmember Reeves’ opening statement. Speaking for more than 15 minutes at the meeting’s outset, she spoke of her view of the Town Council’s (TC) achievements, followed by a scathing critique of her TC colleague, electing not to identify that individual by name. Below […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor – Let the next town council help choose Yountville’s next town manager
Dear Editor, Yountville is approaching a critical civic decision: the hiring of a new town manager. That person will help guide and execute town operations, advise elected leaders, manage staff, and shape how local priorities are carried out. It is not a routine appointment. It is one of the most consequential decisions a town council […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor – Time to Have a Think – Yountville and the Town Council
Dear Editor, The British idiom, “to have a think,” is a timely reminder for all Yountville residents, including our Town Council. Selecting a new town manager is at the forefront of the council’s current agenda. There is good reason for pause and reflection, both regarding next town manager (TM) and the responsibility of an outgoing […]
Posted inNews
Trust, transparency and the Commons dominate Yountville Town Manager listening sessions
Ralph Andersen & Associates, the firm hired by the Town of Yountville to recruit the next town manager, held two informal listening sessions at the Yountville Community Center on Monday, July 13, for residents and businesses to learn about, discuss and share their perspectives on the recruitment and hiring process for a new town manager. […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor – Yountville Town Council could rebuild community trust with the town manager search
Dear Editor, Here’s an immediately actionable way for the Yountville Town Council to take a meaningful step to toward rebuilding trust, strengthening collaboration and restoring confidence in town leadership and governance. As in cities such as Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Hayward, Suisun City, Turlock, and Pacifica, the Council could convene a small community panel to participate […]