Thoughts, opinions, and musings from a curious "Seasoned Citizen"

         Vol. 1  No.2

          Napa Valley Register editorial, June 30^th, 2013, “Protracted negotiations muddy deal for Borrero.”  For some who don’t remember, or are new to the city, the Borrero building was grabbed off by the City of Napa, in the early days of flood control, forcing out an established merchant.  It has sat empty ever since.  The city now has two bids for the property, one for 1.6 million and one for 1.7 million, but the Mayor and Council are sitting on their hands, rather take action, claiming some sort of an “understanding” with the Napa Land Trust (NLT) to deliver the property to them if they could get their ducks in order in a specified time.  That window of opportunity came and went, came and went twice actually, with NLT unable to qualify.  At that point the two outside bids came in.  Then came a whole litany of mealy mouthed and odorous excuses along the lines of “we said we would, so now we should still give it to the NLT.  GIVE ME A BREAK!  I’d like to remind the esteemed Madam Mayor and the equally esteemed members of the city council, the City of Napa is not, repeat, is not, your own private sand pile or Monopoly Board.  You have the legal responsibility as stewards of our city to do what’s best for the city.  Turning down legitimate tax generating, job producing offers in order to take care of your pals at the NLT doesn’t qualify as either smart or honorable stewardship.  I can’t help but wonder who has already picked out their furniture for their new 2^nd floor office with a great view of the downtown.  And if the story was accurately reported, a new tasting room will go in on the first floor.  Just what we need, another tasting room.  You can paint a skunk any color you want, but it will still smell like a skunk.  Come on folks, get a little upset at getting your pocket picked in broad day light and let these would be back room wheeler dealers know, like the movie said, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it any longer.”  Everyone with an ounce of common sense knows this stinks.  This brings me back to the Napa Valley Register editorial.  It was a huge disappointment. I understand that generally you probably feel the need to stay of the good side of the powers that be.  But come on Mr. Editor, with your local news monopoly (is there another paper in town to provide counter-point?) don’t you feel any responsibility to at least address the obvious? Sorry sir, but the way I see it, you used your entire column trying to convince people it is possible to pick up a piece of feces from the clean end.