A Closer Look at the Candidate

By Richard T. Merk

An outline of the past service and current concerns of Richard T. Merk

The Council needs members with time available for greater involvement in the activities of the town. As Portola Valley nears "build-out", development pressures change form and expand.

Cooperative leadership with hands-on experience and divergent view-points most effectively meets this challenge. My 21 years of Town service have provided me with the skills and background for preserving the community goals which unify our town.

Portola Valley is quite unlike most other California towns and cities. We have been a trend-setter in innovative land-use planning for 37 years. There is no reason for that to change as we preserve the unique nature and qualities which originally drew people here and remain, along with our excellent schools, the draw today. The task of accommodating new residents while preserving rural character is one which our town has managed well thanks to dedicated, long-serving volunteers.

A PROVEN TRACK RECORD

My voting record speaks for itself, demonstrating a consistent focus on rural preservation and low-cost government. My positions are based on the information presented while holding the goals of the community in mind. Fairness, protection of the environment and consideration for the long term are the lessons I have learned in many years of service to our town. I have been described by past colleagues as "the conscience of the Council" and as "the guy that reads every word with a critical eye". Well familiar with the large time commitment required for the implementation of the responsibilities of Office, I am available to respond when needed.

I have a collaborative approach to problem solving and a long working relationship with our dedicated staff.

APPRECIATION FOR PORTOLA VALLEY

As a Mid-Peninsula native and Portola Valley resident for 41 years, as one who worked in the community for over 30 years, I well know what makes Portola Valley special: the beautiful environment, small town atmosphere and community involvement!

In visiting the parks and hiking the mountains of over 100 countries world-wide, I have come to realize that Portola Valley is the best possible place I could live. This is the source of my motivation to protect its unique and inherent qualities.

RESPONSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE

I welcome input from residents and try to respond to all requests and concerns, for without public input civic leaders cannot judge the direction their community wishes to pursue.

LOW-COST EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT

Fostering of town volunteers requires Councilmember time and attention "24-7". Councilmembers need regular familiarity with Town Offices to insure effective communication between Council, volunteers and staff to insure that committees effectively reduce staff work-load and to guarantee that the public wishes are followed.

SAFETY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

The San Andreas Fault transects our valley, natural open space exposes us to potential urban/wildland fire, our creeks are subject to flooding and steep hillsides can fail when wet or shaken. In this setting, special attention must be paid to emergency preparedness facilities and regional emergency services. We need to coordinate more closely with our schools, fire district and county emergency services to insure the safety of our residents, especially our children and elderly.

PRESERVE OUR OPEN SPACE

Through direct purchase, creative land-use planning, cooperation with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Peninsula Open Space Trust and developers, greater protection is possible. As a councilmember I will continue my support of both public and private funding of open space preservation.

RURAL CHARACTER AND TRAFFIC

Portola Valley incorporated to control future development and to preserve rural character, open space, and scenic views. We have done a good job. The future town council will play a critical role in decisions on any potential subdivision of our remaining large parcels, in their layout, on their traffic impact, and on areas of open space. My experience and long history with town government demonstrate my ability to carry on this work. I have been part of it for 21 years.