Portola Valley council declines vote on non-local issues Portola Valley council declines vote on non-local issues (July 10, 2002)

** But individual council members express views on capital punishment, pollution.

By Sharon Driscoll

Almanac Staff Writer

The Portola Valley Town Council won't take an official position on the death penalty, but three council members wrote a letter on town stationery to Gov. Gray Davis June 4 to express their personal opposition to capital punishment, at least until the state carries out a comprehensive study of how the death penalty is administered.

It was a compromise solution, said Mayor Ed Davis, after the council decided not to make official proclamations on what he calls "global issues" -- those not considered local. It was agreed that individual council members could use town stationery to express their views on the death penalty issue. Several council members also signed a non-official letter in April asking the governor to support higher standards for vehicle emissions, he said.

In March, resident Lincoln Moses brought the capital punishment issue to the council. Then in April Councilman George Comstock asked the council support the carbon dioxide emissions bill working its way through the state assembly. That bill has since passed and is awaiting the governor's signature.

In May, Mr. Moses wrote the council, reiterating his position that the use of the death penalty affects all town residents, and so it was appropriate for the council to take a stand against it.

Council members Kirke Comstock, George Comstock, and Richard Merk signed the death penalty letter, and Councilman Ted Driscoll joined the three in signing the carbon dioxide letter.

Mayor Davis did not sign either letter.

"That's not what I was elected to do," he said. "I don't feel I have enough information on how my constituents would want me to represent them on these issues."

Mr. Davis said that while he shares many of his colleagues' positions, he prefers to write letters with these sorts of opinions on his personal stationery.

"These are all worthy of discussion," said Mayor Davis. "But where does it end? Everyone has a favorite global subject."

Other council members agreed that it would not be appropriate for the council to take up most of these kinds of issues.

"I was elected to represent Portola Valley on issues that relate to this town directly," said Councilman Merk. "We're here for zoning issues and town spirit."

He said that he was happy to sign both letters as an individual council member because he felt strongly about the issues.

"I feel if a constituent raises an issue, I should try to help make it happen," said Councilman Kirke Comstock, who brought Mr. Moses' proposal to the council.

Councilman George Comstock said that while the council shouldn't spend time working on outside issues, it is useful for council members to express their opinions on town stationery. Mr. Merk said using the town stationery is one of the perks of the job.