Official Ballot Statement

Richard T. Merk	Age: 52
Occupation: Incumbent

Education & Qualifications:

With nearly 20 years of service to our town - from current Mayor and Council
Liaison to the School House Restoration Project, to picking up litter and
cleaning storm drains - I have become familiar with all facets of town
government. I have worked hard for sound land-use planning, preservation of
open space, the maintenance of Portola Valley's rural quality, and conservative
fiscal management.

My volunteer activities include 4 years as Councilmember, 13 years as Planning
Commissioner, member of the Conservation, Public Works and, Emergency
Preparedness Committees, Portola Valley representative on the San Mateo County
Regional Planning Committee, and service on numerous other ad hoc committees.

I ask for your vote so that I can follow through with strengthening our General
Plan, completing improvements to the Town Center, and overseeing pending
transitions of key staff.

Please share in our commitment to prudent fiscal management and open space
preservation by supporting the two ballot measures we are presenting for your
approval. Funding for open space acquisition is crucial at this point in our
history. Together we can maintain and improve Portola Valley's idyllic
character and cherished rural qualities.

Thank you.
/s/ Richard T. Merk

Copyright © 1997 League of Women Voters of California, Smart Valley Inc.
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates or political parties.