Yountville, the Napa Valley town of about 3,000, will elect a mayor and two Town Council members on Nov. 3. All three incumbents are running for reelection, the Press Democrat reported.
The ballot
- Mayor: incumbent Margie Mohler vs. Joe Tagliaboschi.
- Town Council (two seats): incumbents Robin McKee and Hillery Bolt Trippe; challengers Jessi Bugden, Matthew Chrzanowski and Jill Turner; and write-in candidate Robert Moore.
Terms are four years. The Town Council has five members serving staggered terms, according to the town.
The big issue: workforce housing
At a Sept. 28 Chamber of Commerce forum attended by about 150 people, candidates focused on workforce housing, the Press Democrat reported. Earlier this year the council explored a project at Yountville Commons, the former elementary school site, but shelved it after a citizen referendum backed by business owners including French Laundry chef Thomas Keller unraveled zoning changes.
- Mohler said a project should meet long-term needs, not just maximize unit count, with "meaningful public engagement."
- Tagliaboschi emphasized affordable housing serving young people, families and seniors.
- Turner urged a needs survey and a look at alternative sites; Trippe favored larger family units after a data review.
- Moore, a Veterans Home resident, proposed staff apartments on the home's grounds.