Had a great conversation this week with a long-time community member. Talked about the Yountville Community Church and The Yountvillian newsletter. I definitely gained a new perspective on some issues and understood that we did not agree on all topics. That is how I want to move forward with The Yountvillian: conversation and putting topics out there. Does it seem like I am needling people, making pointed statements, sometimes snarky? I say yes to all these. You’ll often find my opinions are sharp because they’re meant to spark discussion…maybe even some disagreement. I want to create healthy conversation, and sometimes that conversation might be uncomfortable. Engagement with our neighbors is so important. So whether it’s through humorous illustrations or pointed arguments, my goal is for people to have a meaningful dialogue with one another as we explore the many topics of our community together.
Yes, we are a small town, and we should all strive to get along. Does that mean I am creating divisiveness by bringing up topics that affect our community? I don’t see that. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, and why is that? We need to look at ourselves and our ideas and wants and needs and community and determine how best to discuss changes and policies in Yountville.
Yountville will be getting a new mayor in 2022. Two councilmember seats will be up for election. What does the Economic Recovery Plan mean for our Town and businesses? The Yountville Community Church is back in service. The Yountville Elementary School sits empty. Parking. New Zoning & Design Ordinance in effect and so much more to talk about. More tasting rooms? More hotel rooms? Workforce housing.
Whether I am writing about the Veterans Park or the church next to my home, or a new hotel project, there is no conflict of interest; this is a Small Town, and what happens in one part of Town affects us all as citizens Yountville. With The Yountvillian, I want to offer an opportunity to hear from your neighbors with various viewpoints and insights. With my weekly writings, I want to get that conversation happening. Let’s not push the difficult conversations down and hope we don’t have to have them. Let’s have them, so we are better neighbors and involved community members.
I am not doing this as a journalist, and I am not the best editor; I am writing The Yountvillian as a member of the Yountville community. What’s the best way to get people talking? Share your opinion! I know that not everyone agrees with me on every issue. That is how it should be and why we have an open conversation. Forward the newsletter. Comment on The Yountvillian. Email me. Call me.