An honest man in Washington?

Sounds about as likely as a 'sane' politician in California. But there appears to be at least one. Who knew? Here's the whole thing for the link-following challenged:

"Dear editor,

I would like to further explain why the Calistoga City Council voted against naming Highway 29 the "Robert Mondavi Highway."

First, knowing that Mr. Mondavi is alive and well, it is inappropriate for such a significant tribute to be considered at this time. This was an idea hatched in the office of Sen. Wes Chesbro and the timing of this endeavor gives the appearance of being politically motivated.

The resolution honoring Mr. Mondavi was first introduced to the Napa County Transportation Planning Agency board, which oversees all transportation issues in Napa County. It was passed unanimously. However, there was a "condition." The condition was that the board's support for the name change was subject to the support of the wine industry. The board listed seven different wine industry organizations and thus far, only a few have taken action.

The problem with this vote of support, however, is that it has created a false pretense that there's valley-wide support. Additionally, who wants to say "no" to Robert Mondavi, especially when you're being told by Wes Chesbro's office that everybody in Napa Valley supports the initiative? The impetus for proposing this legislation should have come from the wine industry and not from Sen. Chesbro's office. Additionally, it should have come at a later time to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation.

Since we've now been forced to debate the merits of the proposal, people in Calistoga feel there are other men who have contributed equally to what the Napa Valley is today, and to grant something as significant as naming the main thoroughfare through the Valley is too big to bestow on any one man.

Calistogans have great admiration for Bob Mondavi. However, we must not forget that "Robert Mondavi" now represents big business and is now a corporate icon. His winery recently sold for $1.36 billion. That's billion with a "B." He was a visionary and a master of marketing and has been rewarded handsomely for his success. And because of this, there are numerous accolades already in his name.

The long-term success of the Napa Valley depends on the preservation of the intricate balance between agriculture and commercialism; however, agriculture always has to remain number one. It is the small family wineries that are now the treasures of the Napa Valley and they should not be overshadowed. God bless Bob Mondavi, but let's not "Disneyfy" the Napa Valley and turn it into "Mondaviland."

Michael Dunsford

City Council Member

Calistoga"

Right on, Dunsford!