Rethink What's Possible
Introduction
Hello!
Thanks for visiting my website as a candidate for Town Council. Within you'll find details on my priorities, background, the points-of-view I've expressed in public, and more. But here below is a quick overview of what I offer Yountville as a Council member and why you should vote for me.
If you have questions or comments, please get in touch. Thank you -- and let's rethink what's possible!
Time in Yountville: My husband Steve and I have owned our Yountville home for 28 years.
Professional background: Business planning, project management, marketing, advertising, PR, property management, real estate and other investing, consulting. For Fortune 500 companies (World Savings, Colgate-Palmolive), smaller firms (e.g., Ketchum Advertising, Passport Resorts, Southeast Alaska Tourism Council), and as entrepreneur (CEO of Rodin & Shelley Associates). Hold real estate salesperson license since 2008.
Community/volunteer service: Current or past Board member of Yountville's Vintage Homeowners’ Association, Junior League of San Francisco, BizWorld.
Education: Master’s Degree of International Management, Thunderbird Graduate School of Global Management; Bachelor’s degree from University of Denver; attended University of Strasbourg, France, for two years.
Military service: None for me personally. My father, E. J. Matousek, served in the U.S. Navy as Lieutenant J.G. during World War II; he attended United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, where my parents, married for 72 years, wed under the Arch of Swords.
Politics: I identify as a compassionate conservative. Having voted for both Democrats and Republicans over the years, I vote for policies and priorities, not political affiliation. I’m a capitalist and believe in hard work, personal responsibility, financial transparency, following the law, making memories, and enjoying myself along the way. I don’t foresee that left/right politics enters in to my thinking or priorities for Yountville.
1. Rethink the Yountville Commons project: I support the “what” and “who” of this project—that is, the workforce and affordable housing for people who work in Yountville. I do not agree with the “where,” “when,” “how,” and “how much” of what has been proposed so far. Let’s prepare a business plan and a budget, then let’s get started to obtain statistically significant market research asking workers what THEY want and expect in this proposed housing project. Then let's be creative in forging the best past to achieve those goals.
2. Generate New Interest and Excitement for Yountville. Interest in wine is down and excitement in the Town of Napa is up. These facts have implications for Yountville and mandate new thinking for activities, retail, and other growth opportunities – for residents, businesses, and visitors. Two ideas to start: revisit the Mustard Festival, and cultivate Christmas Markets here that are so popular in Europe.
3. Engage ALL of Yountville’s Stakeholders. Many people have an interest in the livability and success of Yountville: our residents, businesses, workers, veterans, visitors, and others. Let’s listen, hear and ACT on this input. Two recurring issues I’ve heard recently: a) we need more retail in town, both for residents and visitors, and b) Veterans Home members have numerous complaints about rules, regulations, and policies, including some that are new. And what's taking so long to open the skilled nursing facility? The Town Council may not be able to unilaterally fix the problems; however, our veterans need better advocates on the Town Council – not just to schmooze and attend meetings, but to apply pressure to help solve problems.