Councilmember, alderman, selectman, freeholder, trustee, or commissioner — this role has many names and an important role in the town. In this article, we spotlight the Town Council, its members, and how they can influence local government and politics.
The Basics
The Town Council plays a crucial role in local government. Together with county supervisors, mayor, and school boards, the city council members can impact our daily life as they handle issues like public safety, community businesses, public utilities, education, and public spaces like parks and libraries.
The City or Town Council, along with the mayor, is an elected policy and law-making body at the local level that has the authority to enact city/town laws and ordinances. The Council hears requests and grievances from residents and receives updates from city personnel on projects and initiatives at its regular sessions, which are open to the public. A council can range from 5 to 51 members across the nation, although the national average is six.
In Yountville, the citizens elect their council for four-year terms. The group consists of five members, who together play the role of city legislation and policies. The Town Council has a great deal of responsibility in this regard. It must pass all the required ordinances and orders to guide the municipality and establish its agenda. Despite focusing on day-to-day operations, the Town manager follows and enforces all of the policies determined by the Town council as it operates on a Council-Manager form of government.
And this just scratches the surface. The Town of Yountville has Town Council Protocols that describe the roles and procedures of the council in more detail.
Meet the Team
The Yountville’s Town Council comprises five members that include the Mayor and four council members spots for other community members to fill. Each is elected from the town on a nonpartisan basis. Here are the current members of the Town council:
John F. Dubar, Mayor
- Since 2010, he has served as the Mayor of the Town of Yountville. He was re-elected to a third four-year term in November of 2018. He represented the town in terms of strategic operations for public health crisis and economic recovery related to the COVID-19 pandemic
Kerri Dorman, Vice Mayor
- She was elected to the Town Council on November 6, 2018, and named Vice Mayor on December 2, 2018. Dorman formerly served on the Town’s Zoning & Design Review Board.
Marjorie “Margie” Mohler, Council Member
- Re-elected as the Town Council on November 3, 2020, Council Member Mohler was hailed into position last 2008 and re-elected in 2012 and 2016. In addition to being a council member, she also represents the town on Upper Valley Waste Management Authority (Chair)
Marita Dorenbecher, Council Member
- She was elected as a council member on November 6, 2018, and she was previously appointed as Vice-Mayor in 2016. She also served as President of the League of California Cities (North Bay Division) and the 2020 Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee.
Eric Knight, Council Member
- He was elected to the Town Council on November 3, 2020. Currently a member of Yountville FOCUS, Treasurer of Veteran Homes Association, and President-Elect of Yountville Kiwanis.
More information can be found in their bio’s here.
Join The Team
Three town council spots are open to Yountville community members. So, who can run for these spots? Just about anyone in the community. There are basic requirements that apply, including minimum age, U.S.A citizenship, and residing in the district in which you wish to represent. Still, other than that, any community member that meets these requirements can run for Town Council. It’s just a matter of being elected! If you’re interested, contact the Town Clerk’s office for the appropriate paperwork.
By voting for Town Councilmembers, you’re voting for an individual who will represent your thoughts, opinions, and perspectives on various town matters. It’s important to know who is running and their histories so you can make the most educated decision.
The next election for Yountville that will include Town Councilmember spots is November 2022, and The Yountvillian will cover the election fully.