Carmel Said Yes

On election night, as results came in at City Hall, a local reporter asked me about my most important accomplishment as mayor.

I could have talked about budgets, infrastructure, and public safety. Instead, I gave them an answer that doesn’t fit into a spreadsheet. I believe our town is happier. Residents trust their city government more. Our council has used good processes to reach good decisions, and our village is ready to take big steps forward. Tuesday’s election gave me more reason for hope.

Stepping Forward to Serve

Congratulations to our next mayor, Hans Buder, to returning Councilmember Alissandra Dramov, and to incoming Councilmember Stefan Karapetkov. Thank you for accepting the responsibility, the homework, and the quiet stresses that come with the job that I understand better now.

There’s a story behind this election. A few months ago, I wrote in this column that we are never quite ready for the things that matter. If we wait until we know everything, have unlimited time, or feel completely comfortable, we may never step forward.

Two readers took it to heart and ran for office: Stefan Karapetkov and David Boland. Our hometown newspaper helped inspire two residents to put their names on a ballot, and one will now help guide our village. They both deserve our thanks. Standing before the voters takes courage, and everyone who participates thoughtfully strengthens our community, win or lose.

Investing in Our Village

Then came Measures M and N. With roughly 70 percent voting yes on each, residents approved nearly $4 million in additional annual revenue for the City. Five residents and I formed a committee to explain the need, answer questions, and earn support with a positive message. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, donated, displayed a sign, talked with neighbors, or studied the choices.

And thank you to the voters. Nobody enjoys paying more in taxes. But residents and visitors love this village, and caring for it costs money. Streets wear out. Buildings age. Deferred maintenance rarely gets cheaper.

The council tightened our budget and made more room for capital improvements. Voters provided the resources to help close the remaining gap. The next council will inherit a stronger financial foundation and perhaps the strongest leadership team in the town’s history.

Earning Trust Through Follow-Through

That support comes with responsibility. Residents should see where the money goes, understand the priorities, and watch projects move from plans to completed work. Trust grows when government follows through.

Trust also grows from how decisions are made: arriving with an open mind, sharing information, listening carefully, asking hard questions, and explaining the reasoning. We will never agree on everything. This is Carmel. But we can have spirited debates about stop signs, housing policy, and the police station project while still respecting one another, and difficult decisions can come from a fair process people understand.

As my term winds down, that is what gives me the greatest satisfaction. So many people have helped build a community that feels more connected, more engaged, and better prepared for what comes next.

Our Next Chapter

Work remains. We have two full council meetings in December, and then the new council will bring its own ideas, priorities, and judgment. I look forward to participating as a neighbor and volunteer.

When I ran for mayor, my message was “Together, We’ll Get Things Done.” This week, Carmel said yes. Yes to people willing to serve, and yes to the resources to move forward. Now comes the satisfying part: turning that support into progress.

Together, we have given our next chapter a promising start, and every resident and business has a role.

o hear a podcast generated from this column, go to cli.re/happyvillage.

Dale Byrne, MayorCarmel-by-the-Sea dbyrne@cbts.us