Quotes from the Community
Many of these Quotes are excerpts from letters to the editor in the St. Helena Star - the articles in their entirety can be found here.
“What made me want to write in support of Geoff Ellsworth is I just love his passion for St. Helena. I see him out and about talking to people almost every time I go to town. I see him playing chess with my 13-year-old daughter at the Friday Chess Club. I know of his commitment to St. Helena because he has called me a number of times to discuss issues that I have been involved with concerning land use, water, and sustainability.
- Michael Honig
I am happy to endorse Geoff Ellsworth for another term as Mayor of St. Helena.
His commitment to our town and community is real and authentic.- Tony Albright
“I know that both Ellsworth and Stanton will consider any proposed projects for St. Helena fairly and objectively. They will assess the overall value and benefit of a project to the community, and the additional demands there will be on the city’s infrastructure and resources, as well as the effect on the quality of life here in town. Both these individuals will do this with transparency and without consideration for any personal gains.”
- Cio Perez
“As St. Helena’s citizens, what is our vision? May we have the wisdom to protect this community – our truly unique small town in the heart of Napa Valley – for those who now live here, and for those to come. Let’s vote wisely, for the future, and for the soul and integrity of St. Helena. Those that I feel can best deliver this for us are Geoff Ellsworth, David Knudsen and Leslie Stanton.”
- Beth Novak Milliken
“There are two people running on a single ticket for mayor and city council that I can personally vouch are not seeking to monetize the town’s famous moniker and use their positions for personal gain. They are Geoff Ellsworth and Leslie Stanton. Geoff is so honest it almost hurts, and the Stanton family’s longstanding commitment to protect and preserve what made St. Helena such a desirable place to live is known to everyone who’s dealt with them.”
- Peter Mennen
“Geoff is a strong voice for sustainable development, just and resilient communities, inclusive government, and fiscal responsibility. He respects our region's agricultural heritage and has the vision and integrity to lead his community through the many transitions and difficult decisions ahead. I wholeheartedly support his reelection.”
- Melanie Bagby, Cloverdale City Council
“Geoff Ellsworth is the leader for our community. His actions focused on sustainability, health, economic prosperity and equality in Saint Helena have been ambitious and impressive! All the while he is transparent, enthusiastic, and kind. Our Mayor works tirelessly to better the future of Saint Helena; for our families, workers, businesses and environment.”
- Madelyn Chandler
“This letter is in support of Geoff Ellsworth -- and all candidates in favor of smart, long-term economically diversified growth for Napa Valley.”
- Justin H. Reed
"I support Geoff Ellsworth for St. Helena Mayor because he is a champion for clean water and responsible civic management. Geoff has put the time in to build regional alliances and is a joy to collaborate with. He has successfully raised the profile of St. Helena and all of Napa Valley with his leadership, and is the right choice for the future."
- Amber Manfree
“I'm so pleased with the job Geoff has done as mayor, especially with how clear, supportive and positive he has been during the COVID-19 crisis.”
- Linda Rose
“Mayor Ellsworth has proven his tireless leadership in St. Helena and beyond in our changing, hard to comprehend world. While we live through mega fires and drought, loss of life sustaining watershed and natural landscape, Mayor Ellsworth has made protection of the City of St. Helena’s Bell Canyon Reservoir’s watershed a priority.
Geoff has stepped up beyond his service representing the City of St. Helena on countywide policy committees including the County Climate Action Committee and the Groundwater Plan Advisory Committee, as only a local can. With his homegrown, boots on the ground knowledge, Geoff is urgently advocating for the conservation of the finite and fragile watershed St. Helena relies on (which is largely outside of the City of St. Helena limits and where development is controlled or left wildly unchecked by the County of Napa.)”
-Kellie Anderson
“Geoff really cares about this town and its residents.He is absolutely the best person for the job.”
- Susan McWilliams
“I returned to my hometown of Napa in 2012 after years of living in other cities, here and abroad, and took a job with Napa TV covering the St. Helena City Council and Planning Commission meetings. Every day that I showed up to work running the cameras for the local station, there was this guy, passionately engaged at every meeting’s public comment, voicing his researched opinions and advocating for the betterment of the local community from which he had grown. He caught my attention. This human, this man who truly cares about social equity and our future would go on to become Mayor. This man is Geoff Ellsworth.”
- Beth Nelsen
“I could go on and on about all the good Geoff has done for our business, our family, and our community. I was very happy when he became our mayor. In my view -- and I know many people feel the same -- he is the best person to represent our city. I have never seen a mayor who cares so much about everyone in this community. He is someone who becomes mayor and doesn't forget to be a person, a friend and someone who shows his support to everyone, at any level, to the best of his ability. I have never seen a mayor standing at the corner of Oak and Adams in the morning when the school kids are crossing to go to school to make sure they are safe. I've never seen a mayor like Geoff Ellsworth -- he is our friend, our mayor and a "true hero,” St. Helena's own hero.”
- Jose Gomez“Geoff ran a mere two years ago on the basic agenda of a transparent and a solid monetary policy. His basis for participating in St. Helena city government was to emphasize the absolute necessity of focusing on the environmental issues that are the core of our lives here and globally. It’s no longer OK to develop without understanding the real impacts. As he’s stated on numerous occasions, without a sustainable water supply, the value of everything we cherish in St. Helena is at stake. He grew up here, cares deeply about the community, and believes strongly in a diversified economy.”
- Mike Hackett
“Votes for Geoff Ellsworth and Leslie Stanton will be votes in favor of measured progress in the present, and a legacy for the future that we can be proud to pass on.”
- Christie Molinari
“As an artist, Geoff sees life from various perspectives. As your mayor he has applied his skills to create a broad vision for the city. More importantly, his focus on water security is essential to retain and grow the existing residential and business sectors. A water budget is as, or even more, important than a fiscal budget. Water is the currency of growth and is the foundation of a healthy, prosperous community.”
- Eve Kahn
“As for our mayor, Geoff Ellsworth is always on the job. He is consistent, knowledgeable and always ready to listen to citizens’ complaints and take action to alleviate the problem. Geoff attends every event in St. Helena no matter how small. Mayor Ellsworth loves St. Helena. Any town would be so lucky to have this caring, conscientious and approachable man for Mayor.”
- Carol Parr
“Being supportive of, but independent from local industries Geoff is able to bring an objective voice that represents all stakeholders and that can be observed by anyone who watches him interact with the community or in his engagement on local boards and with community groups. In Geoff's time as mayor he has pushed forward on several legacy issues that prior administrations had come to stasis on.
Geoff's leadership has been demonstrated in his short two-year term as Mayor as the city has moved forward major issues like York Creek Dam removal, Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, passage of the General Plan, renovation of Crane Park skatepark and tennis courts, installation of new downtown restrooms, hiring a new City Attorney, completing installation of internal financial controls, just to name a few.”- Flint Ellsworth
“With Geoff and Leslie’s deep roots and love for this community, you can be assured that St. Helena’s present and future is their first priority. With Geoff’s voice helping lead the county, as well as the city, on water issues, climate plan action, through his service on committees and commissions, he will bring a continuity sorely needed at this time. Leslie understands many of our needs in ways many of us never could. She has glimpsed them through the eyes of children, and in spending time with her parents. As past and future leaders gathered around, Leslie read or spoke, but just as importantly she listened … for over 34 years.”
- Jim King
“What are the three most important qualities one looks for in a Mayor? Listening – Collaborating – Following through. And yes, Geoff Ellsworth has all three! Geoff listens ... really listens! He asks questions. He shares his view. Most importantly he seeks the opportunity to find common ground and work together to make this community thrive.”
- Beth Lincoln
“After participating in numerous city council meetings and personal conversations with two of the three candidates, I am convinced that Geoff Ellsworth is the only candidate for St. Helena mayor who has held steadfast to the city’s promise to the future. He is the only candidate who is well and truly paying attention to the very real threats to our water security. He is the only candidate who is paying attention to the impacts that decisions being made today, at the city, county, regional and state levels, will have for generations to come. And, he is the only candidate actively looking for innovative solutions, such as economic diversification, that will serve our entire community well into the future.
Now, more than ever, we need leadership willing and able to look at the bigger picture and explore creative solutions for our community through the lens of climate change, social justice, and water security. Geoff Ellsworth provides that leadership.”
-Elaine de Man
“For the sake of St. Helena I hope you win. We need environmentally conscientious people who understand the need for balanced growth and development that supports rather than endangers our community.”
- Nancy Dervin
“There is a need for candidates who will protect the people, the land, and the future. It is heartening to see that we have two community leaders, Geoff Ellsworth and Leslie Stanton, who have committed to addressing a number of these environmental and social issues…
The actions that we take today have profound and long term impacts. We need leadership who will fight for a sustainable future for all Napa Valley residents. Vote wisely, vote for Geoff Ellsworth and Leslie Stanton.”
- Sahoko Yui, PhD
“Attending meetings with Geoff through my 26 years in St. Helena, and listening to his wise and caring thoughts for our fair city, I was impressed with his desire for the good of the community and his neighbors and it behooved me to believe he would one day be mayor. That day has arrived. St. Helena is very fortunate to have a mayor, who is competent with a heart. Who'd a thunk it? Geoff may not always agree with you, but rest assured that you will always be met with courtesy and kindness. Please vote for our competent and honorable mayor.
In this day and age with so much corruption of government officials, St. Helena is blessed to have a competent mayor of ethical standards. Let's keep him in office.”
-Ester Akersloot“I have watched Geoff step up to defend and protect St. Helena on a variety of issues at the Planning and Board of Supervisors meetings. Geoff speaks with passion and conviction on issues that affect his town. There is no one with a greater knowledge of the issues and ideas to help mitigate and resolve these issues. Water is a big agenda item for St. Helena and Geoff goes to bat every time. St. Helena is a charming town with the essence of old-world Napa character and Geoff understands the value of this and fights to preserve St. Helena’s character. I do believe that Geoff Ellsworth is the best choice for mayor!”
-Eileen Pereira
“The future of Saint Helena depends on a strong community. Geoff is a leader, a visionary and an advocate for the diversity that is vital for a healthy, stable community.”
-Marina Hoffman
Paid for by Geoff Ellsworth for Mayor 2020 FPPC# 1407177