A New Era for St. Helena’s Elections: Transparency, Unity, and Hope for the Future

As this city council & mayoral races draw to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what a unique election season it’s been. This campaign season was different from those we’ve seen in the past, and I believe it represents a step forward for St. Helena. For the first time, the majority of candidates used social media and blogs to openly communicate their positions on critical issues. This shift toward transparency has set a new standard for future campaigns, and I’m confident it will serve both the residents and the city well.

First, I want to congratulate my fellow candidates. Running for office takes courage, and they’ve all run clean, and largely issues-based campaigns. Regardless of who ultimately becomes the people’s choice, all candidates deserve our respect and support. Now more than ever, we need to rally together for the common good and the future of St. Helena--win, lose, or draw we are all in this together.

We have so much to be hopeful about. We’re blessed to live in an extraordinary place—a world-class tourist destination, right in the heart of wine country. We’re surrounded by natural beauty, and we have a community full of talented, highly educated, and deeply committed residents who care about the future of our city. This combination of strengths gives us a solid foundation to build upon, and I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together.

Facing Our Challenges Together

But while we have every reason to be hopeful, we also face some tough challenges. Rising utility rates, water security, and a shrinking middle class are real pressures on our families and local businesses. Closing our budget gap will require difficult decisions in the short term—choices that might not make everyone happy. There’s no easy way around it: we may need to endure some temporary pain to put our city on a stronger financial footing. By addressing these issues head-on, however, I believe we can secure a stable, sustainable future for St. Helena.

These issues impact all of us, and the only way forward is through unity and collaboration. The real work begins after this election, and that work will demand practical, community-centered solutions that prioritize our finances, water quality and rates, and a city government modernization to ensure, or reassure, that we have the best run government we all deserve. Whoever is elected, we must come together to ensure St. Helena remains a thriving, welcoming place that we’re all proud to call home.

A Hopeful Path Forward

This election season has shown that we can raise the bar for how we communicate and engage with the community. As candidates, we’ve had the chance to share our positions more openly and connect with residents in meaningful ways. I’m confident this level of transparency will become a lasting positive force, supporting ongoing council and government transparency with residents as we work together to address the issues that matter most.

As I look to the future, I feel a deep sense of optimism. Our city is full of potential, and by working together, we can create a vibrant, prosperous community for generations to come. Let’s embrace this moment with hope and a shared commitment to making St. Helena stronger and more united than ever before.

Thank you for your engagement, your passion, and your commitment to our city. It has been my honor to run for office on your behalf.

Thank You

November 15, 2024, 6:00 – 9:00 PM|St. Helena

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