In the aftermath of our town’s recent recall election, it’s clear something deeper is at play than simple policy disagreements. Yes, a majority of voters chose to recall Councilmember Brent Metz, and I respect that outcome. That’s democracy. But if we treat this only as a procedural event, we miss a more important story.
What could have been a legitimate democratic process was, in part, something darker—a reminder of how quickly we can sever our ties to one another when fear and outrage take the wheel. At a moment that needed deliberation and clarity, many gave in to fury and contempt—not just toward Brent, but toward anyone who supported him.
I was one of those supporters because I know him personally and he is a thoughtful, generous, insightful, and caring father, friend, and son—as well as a hard-working entrepreneur and a devoted, knowledgeable councilmember. Do we see eye to eye on everything? No. But who does?!
I believed in Brent’s right to have all the facts revealed before judgment. But more importantly, I objected to how he was being treated—not just pre-judged, but personally dehumanized and vilified.
I spoke up because I saw bullying being normalized. For that, many turned their anger on me. I was accused of corruption simply for offering my perspective. (I’m still not sure how inviting voters to engage with me could be seen as discouraging engagement.)
What I came to understand is that this wasn’t just political disagreement. It felt like heartbreak, unprocessed and liberated, taking the form of rage. People are angry—about guns, about justice, about fairness, about trust in government. Many are deeply impacted by the steps the Trump administration has taken.
And no—not everyone who voted for the recall was swept up in that storm. I imagine many simply saw the headlines and decided Brent no longer represented their values. Fair enough. If that was you, know I’m not talking about your voice. I appreciate your engagement.
But for some, Brent became the stand-in for everything that feels threatening in our country: gun culture, development pressure, and national partisanship. And because I supported him, I became a stand-in for a government people no longer trust, for a system they believe has failed them. That grief and fury landed here, in our small town.
People are so hurt and disillusioned by a larger context that they’ve lost the point of a small community—the very thing that offers shelter from this crazy world. Instead of using a civil system for disagreement, they whipped themselves into a frenzy of vitriol. Democracy was founded to give us a path through conflict without crusades. Not every supporter of something you oppose is a villain. Our newer neighbors aren’t threats. Your ideological opposite is still your neighbor.
I’m not dismissing grief or outrage. But I am asking us to direct it to the right source and to recognize the line between righteous anger and dehumanization. To remember that disagreement doesn’t require destruction and participating in democracy includes the right to speak—for everyone.
Even after the election, both Brent and I have received messages filled with contempt. I’m asking those who directed their anger in these ways to consider grace. To accept the outcome and let it go. If we can do it, surely you can too.
Please recognize that diversity of thought is a strength. Viciousness—threats, doxxing, lies, character assassination—has no place here. Not in Mountain View. Not in Town Hall. Not directed at neighbors, staff, or elected officials. I refuse to accept it as normal.
I believe in this town and am excited for our future. We have real work ahead—from residential development to Town Hall expansion to rethinking commercial zoning. These are all chances to show up with purpose.
Let’s pick up the tools of true community again. Not just with those you agree. Let’s protect the tether that holds us all together—not despite our differences, but because of them.
Community is a verb. It’s something we build, shape, and practice—especially when it’s hardest. I hope you’ll join me. The future of our town depends on it.
