This coming Nov. 5 will put the residents of Napa city in a crucial position as they decide on who will lead their community as mayor. Their decision rests between two local residents, incumbent Mayor Scott Sedgley, holding his first term since getting elected in 2020, and taxi driver and local business owner, Tuesday Allison. Both come from Napa, resonating with the community, but each notably distinct in their professional and political background.
Sedgley, at the age of 72, boasts an ample experience in public services, contributing to Napa’s development in various capacities over the years. His political journey includes two terms in the Napa City Council starting from 2012. Opening another chapter in his political career, Sedgley also offered his leadership as a board member of the Napa Valley Unified School District for nine years prior to his council membership. In addition, for over three decades, he served the Napa Fire Department faithfully until his retirement in 2011.
In a striking display of confidence backed by years of service, Mayor Sedgley declared his strong suit. His abundant experiences, he believes, position him favorably for the role. Even more significant is his personal connection to the community. It’s where his family has grown, held meaningful lives, and it’s a place that holds his heart. He passionately articulated that without this fervor for the community, one might not be apt for a leadership role in the community.
Contrasting Sedgley’s political stamina, Allison, a young 46-year former taxi driver and owner of a local tree service business, Advanced Tree Care, proceeds without previous political engagement. However, she remains hopeful that skills acquired from running her businesses and her massages therapy practice could aid in her governance.
Known for her multitasking abilities, the capacity to lend an ear to everyone’s concerns, and her knack for making fast yet effective decisions—traits she regards as critical in her line of work—Allison is optimistic about her chances. However, she has to face the music of a political terrain dominated by supporters of her experienced competitor, Sedgley.
Almost all esteemed elected officials that represent Napa Valley have openly backed Mayor Sedgley. Their endorsements magnify the challenge for Allison in the mayoral race, but as learned from the nature of politics, anything can flip in a moment.
Pivoting from the politics of endorsements, Sedgley is intently focused on what he perceives as the city’s most critical problem—the rising costs of housing. Given the housing prices in the area, there are now fewer young families and children of school-going age residing in the city. The issue of homelessness, despite the recent advances in housing and shelter provision, still puts a blot on the city’s landscape.
Napa City is gradually exploring alliances with affordable housing developers to help ameliorate the housing crunch. For Sedgley, a needle equally hard to thread lies in achieving a balance between promoting tourism and safeguarding the interests of local dwellers.
Meanwhile, Allison’s inspiration to stand for the mayoral election stemmed from the challenges associated with ride-hailing applications. Her concerns revolve around how fares are determined, which, according to her, has led to inconsistent services across the city. These inconsistencies could potentially leave people stranded at inopportune times.
Allison holds the view that Napa Valley, and the city as a whole, have successfully fostered a thriving tourist environment. However, she underscores the importance of maintaining the industries that provide critical support to the wine industry, which remains at the heart of Napa Valley.
The upcoming election also brings two other Napa council seats into contention. These are from District 2, which encompasses the western part of the city, including Browns Valley, and District 4, primarily focused on the city’s downtown. The incumbents from these districts, respectively Beth Painter and Bernie Narvaez, are also running for re-election without facing any opponents.
Both Painter and Narvaez were elected to the council for the first time in 2020, coinciding with the year when the city transitioned its electoral process. The shift was from the at-large elections—where every council member was voted on by the entirety of the city—to district-based elections held amongst candidates within each of the four city districts.