The first ended with a resignation, the second with a cocktail party.
Appointing members to the town’s Pathways Committee sparked the tension preceding the inauguration of incumbent councilmembers Courtenay C. Corrigan, Roger Spreen and newcomer Michelle Wu.
The committee, an 11-member board of volunteers, reviews and makes recommendations related to the town’s ever-expanding, 94-mile network of paths. The chance to influence future acquisitions and a contentious in-lieu fee structure attracted 16 applicants. Councilmembers sparred over committee incumbent Weegie Caughlan, with Corrigan suggesting voting separately on Caughlan’s application in recognition of her record of service and Harpootlian relating how he believes Caughlan breached the town’s code of conduct by insulting his wife, Duffy Price, and Wu.
Details of the heated Oct. 22 exchange (including whether Harpootlian observed it) vary slightly by participant, but all agree on some basics: Price, campaigning for Wu, approached Caughlan’s car as Caughlan idled in traffic en route to a GreenWaste-sponsored junk collection event at Foothill College. Caughlan declined a flier promoting Wu’s campaign, and an argument ensued.
“It was impolite and it was aggressive,” Harpootlian said in his rendition to the council. “And for that reason, the third applicant, this one you’re talking about, I just can’t support.”
The council ultimately voted to appoint incumbents Nick Dunckel and Ann Duwe and newcomers Melissa Dyrdahl, Robert Elson and Sonja Wilkerson to the Pathways Committee.
Reaction to allegations
Caughlan was unable to attend the Dec. 15 council meetings, but she watched the live video feed of the proceedings from home. She contends that Harpootlian’s “diatribe” and “false allegations” cost her a reappointment considered guaranteed to incumbents in good standing, and she demands a formal, in-person apology from the entire city council.
“This was absolutely unconscionable,” Caughlan said. “I mean, I’m still shaking. I can’t tell you how hurtful, how vindictive – there are no words.”
After the vote, Councilman John Radford described the council’s behavior toward Caughlan as “embarrassing” and announced his resignation as Pathways Committee liaison. He, Corrigan and newly appointed mayor Gary Waldeck all alluded to committee discord regarding annexed areas; not all residents believe that newly incorporated properties should conform to town rules mandating the construction of pathways.
“There is such bad behavior going on behind the scenes here,” said Corrigan, the lone vote against formally accepting the Pathways Committee appointments. “It’s appalling. It’s appalling.”
“I think we had personal interactions going on here that probably were not appropriate,” Waldeck said. “On the other hand, what’s done is done. We got to a point where we found an equitable way of selecting our selectees. We all agreed to it. It may not have turned out with the outcome you would have preferred, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t fair and equitable. And that’s what this council is all about – to find a fair and reasonable approach to solve problems.”
Changing of the guard
The tension of the first meeting largely dissipated by the start of the second; Harpootlian narrated a town “year in review” PowerPoint presentation, and councilmembers individually thanked and praised him for his service and presented him with a commemorative gavel. He then gave Wu his seat on the dais and Waldeck took over, listing council priorities for the new year, including the examination of projected annexations, committee charters and the General Plan language pertaining to the pathways mandate. It was Radford who provided the welcome segue into wine and mini quiches.
“This is a great town,” Radford said. “We have great volunteers, we have great staff. In some senses, it takes a lot of time and energy. And in another sense, it’s just an absolute pleasure to serve this town, and I look forward to it. And that’s really all I’m going to say, because we need to get to our party.”
