Bolling has been moral compass

Editor, Index-Tribune:

Sometimes a picture says a thousand words. The moisture-laden inscription, “Goodbye” told me something was amiss. Somehow I sensed that this was not going to be another stirring erudite missive from David Bolling.

The first line, a biblical quote, “To every thing there is a season,” removed all doubt. Sonoma was losing its “City Father.” David Bolling was leaving the Index-Tribune.

Bummer.

I was sad for myself. I was sad for my special little town. I pouted for awhile.

When I describe David as our City Father I do no dishonor to our many active and deserving citizens. Au contraire. I speak for them. They all have a reverent regard for his articulate and forceful voice for our community.

David has been our moral compass. He has been the Dutch uncle who would rebuke the errant voices in our community lest they not act in Sonoma’s best interests.

My wife and I have lived here for eight years.

We have never heard anyone say David over stepped his bounds or was unfairly critical when he took a public position. Never once. That is an extraordinary record given David took a public position twice week.

We did hear about David and heard it often, “David really nailed it today.” or “Did you see David’s piece this morning? Wow!” He never embarrassed the town, the paper or himself.

I am happy that David was able to quit while he was ahead. But to be honest I am thankful I never was the focus of his powerful and compelling pen. When the man laid out his evidence against you, there was no place to hide.

I would like to share one personal story with you. At our recent Red & White Ball, David and I were chatting when a well-known elected official joined us. After an exchange of pleasantries, David told this official that he had opposed her in the election because he did not think she would be attentive to Sonoma. In the same breath and in his calm broadcaster’s voice, he said he had been wrong. He thanked her for her service. Spoken like a City Father.

I will miss him, you will miss him and our special little town is not as special as it was before we lost him.

Joseph M. Aaron

Sonoma