Candidate for
Councilmember; Town of Portola Valley

Portola Valley's culture of volunteer "citizen government" is a well-known distinction among Peninsula cities, one that has helped the Town retain its cohesiveness and stability compared to some others. I wanted to be a part of this tradition when my family moved to town, contributing insights and energies from my own fairly broad professional experience in many other California cities. I volunteered to serve on the Geologic Safety Committee, and that group recently has become quite involved in the complex geologic and policy issues affecting Town Hall renovation proposals. I have attended every meeting of that commmittee during my tenure. I have tried to exemplify this citizen volunteer ethic consistently, serving on Palo Alto's Ad Hoc R-1 Residential Zoning ("Monster House") Committee and Centennial Committee, and its Centennial Committee. I also volunteer as a fundraiser for the Pacific Vascular Research Foundation.

Long-time friends have served in Portola Valley's government, and encouraged me to run for Council. I have been a full-time municipal employee, and can empathize with the special challenges of local government administration. As a former city attorney, protecting the Town's long-term interests is second nature. I also have experienced local government from the viewpoint of citizens seeking development approvals, and have seen many successful innovations and some poor practices which, creatively applied and avoided, can produce useful improvements in Town/citizen relationships. Portola Valley's tradition of regulatory restraint is consistent with my own approach, and is well justified in a small town where informal neighborly regard can count for as much as governmental regulation.

Portola Valley has been gifted with farsighted, thoughtful leadership over the decades. The Town's population is extraordinarily capable, being among the most highly educated and accomplished in the state. This talent pool is a priceless resource which Town government should involve at every opportunity. There is no need for radical reforms just now, and no sweeping local crises threaten. Nevertheless, some known challenges like Town Hall improvements, sanitation and creekside use policies exist, along with inevitable but as yet unknown surprises. With the active involvement of long-time residents, creativity and focussed expertise, there is nothing that we can't resolve with good will, good judgment and mutual respect. Accommodating the changing needs of a diverse population (particularly families with school-age children), spending limited Town resources cost-effectively, and preserving the beauty, fun and freedom of living in Portola Valley should be constant priorities.

More specifically, I favor extending the utility users' tax, to maintain funding of open space acquisitions and in view of the potentially high cost of solving the Town Hall improvement/relocation issues. This is so obviously an appropriate way to fund these critical Town priorities that I hope all candidates will unite in supporting these ballot measures. Our public schools also deserve passage of the pending modernization bond issue. Spending public money always must be carefully justified, but where the benefits are targeted, long-term and cost-effective, as in these instances, the justifications are evident. Similar justifications argue for improving maintenance of public playing fields and recreational facilities. Well-maintained facilities are safer, cleaner and cheaper to operate over the long run. Creekside setbacks should balance their constraints with flexibility sufficient to accommodate each parcel's topography, mature trees, and the legitimate housing needs of its owners.

I am the candidate with the most extensive professional experience in local government, land use and environmental policy issues. I have encountered in some form, in some other city, practically every type of problem that Portola Valley is likely to encounter. My own approach is pragmatic, commonsensical and non-ideological; to apply innovative solutions and creative techniques to our issues within the fabric of Portola Valley's unique traditions. As a new "empty nester", I have the time and energy to contribute all the effort required by this important office. I look forward to working with the moderate center of the Council to deal responsibly with upcoming issues, avoiding divisiveness and radical measures.

Running for office has enabled me to meet many more neighbors and new friends. Portola Valley is a beautiful, relaxed place to live, a rarity that must be preserved through whatever lies ahead. I will dedicate my professional experience, good judgment and concentrated efforts to doing just that.