Menlo candidate filing deadline extended Menlo candidate filing deadline extended (August 14, 2002)

By Pam Smith

Almanac Staff Writer

If you've been thinking about running for one of three open seats on Menlo Park's City Council but haven't gotten around to the paperwork, you've got a little bit more time to throw your hat in among five probable candidates.

The deadline to file nomination papers has been extended to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, because at least one incumbent did not file to run for re-election, said Pat Carson of the city manager's office. For information, call 858-3360.

The five hopefuls who had filed their papers by the Almanac's press deadline (the county elections office must verify their eligibility) are: incumbent Councilman Nicholas Jellins, Planning Commissioner Bill Halleck, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Lee Duboc, Linfield Oaks resident Eric Kinney (son of Councilman Chuck Kinney), and Linfield Oaks resident Michael Meyer.

Before filing, the first step is to take out papers at City Hall, including a petition to be signed by 20 registered Menlo Park voters.

People who have taken out papers but have not returned them include: Housing Commissioner Mickie Winkler, Community Mediation Service member Kirsten Keith, Belle Haven resident Glenn Ledet, Stanford graduate student John Haller Jr., Mayor Steve Schmidt, and Councilwoman Mary Jo Borak.

The deadline extension does not apply to incumbents, so it is too late for Mr. Schmidt and Ms. Borak to join the race.

Mr. Ledet and Mr. Haller have both said they've decided not to run because they lack the financial resources necessary for a campaign.

Ms. Winkler said last Thursday she probably won't run, but had not decided for sure.

Ms. Keith could not be reached for comment by the Almanac's press deadline.