LETTERS LETTERS (May 07, 2003)

Tech jobs aren't what city needs

Editor:

Last week's "business growth" article says that sales tax revenue comprises the largest chunk of Menlo Park's income, and then goes on to say that "Menlo Park needs to show new enterprises, especially cutting-edge biotech companies, why they should set up shop in this city. . ."

There's just one little problem: biotech and similar high-technology companies generally don't pay sales tax to the city, because whatever sales flow from their activities generally don't occur there, and (if the revenue derives from technology licensing, for example) may not be subject to sales tax at all.

Menlo Park needs businesses that serve and employ local residents, not non-city revenue-producing jobs choking the roads with long-distance commuters.

We need only look at Palo Alto next door to see the consequences of development that doesn't balance housing and business appropriately. Let's learn from their experience.

L. Peter Deutsch
Santa Margarita Avenue, Menlo Park

Unfortunate disrespect for Toni Stein

Editor:

I was surprised and saddened to read the personal disrespect shown Toni Stein in a recent letter to the editor.

I was inspired to volunteer on Toni's campaign because I was impressed with her grasp of urban planning and her willingness to work for the broader community.

As a volunteer, I was further impressed with her knowledge of the issues and with her unflagging courtesy and positive approach.

It is a great loss to the city and its future that the costly PR machine and disinformation campaign of the opposition meant that Toni missed being elected.

Gail Sredanovic
Ashton Avenue, Menlo Park

Earth Day needs to recognize overpopulation

Editor:

Your story "Pete McCloskey wants Earth Day to change the world - again," by Marion Softky on April 16 brings up a concern of mine.

Each year I keep expecting Earth Day to address an issue that weighs heavily on all other issues - overpopulation, but it doesn't.

Traffic congestion, oil drilling, water, air and noise pollution, the high cost of housing and lack of open space, and so on all relate to the number of people in the world.

Producing children does not affect mom and dad only. We are all affected by such action. Feeling joyous, fulfilled, satisfied, and complete is not dependent on having children.

Why not reach out and help those children that are less fortunate than ourselves?

I hope educating people on the destruction of wildlife and the environment due to overpopulation and how to remedy this situation through prevention and forethought will became a part of Earth Day in the future.

Jackie Leonard-Dimmick
Walnut Avenue, Atherton

Why not put trains underground?

Editor:

According to the April 16 Almanac, voters would have to approve a $6 billion bond measure to pay for a high speed rail link between Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

As I am always in favor of public transportation, I certainly would like to see a more modern train running down the Peninsula.

However, I wonder if anyone has looked into the possibility of putting the whole system underground?

Think of all the benefits: No need to build costly grade separations, less noise and fewer accidents, no wait at crossings, fewer suicides, and on top of that (quite literally), houses could be built, where tracks now take up valuable space.

Even if such a subway-train would cost considerably more than $6 billion, the benefits far outweigh the cost of fixing an antiquated and noisy railroad system. Since they could build BART in the 1960s, we certainly could build a subway-Caltrain system now.

Dieter Hurni
Redwood City

Atherton says farewell to key managers

Editor:

Atherton is saying thanks to two retiring staff members this month.

A party was held for Cliff Temps April 23 and one will be held May 2 for Joe Mercer.

As public works director for the last four-plus years, Cliff's role was vital to the well being of our town. He secured matching funds to repair Middlefield Road, and put in place a system and time frame to repair and maintain our roads and drainage systems.

He was always able to explain to the council the intricacies of a project, so that we could make informed decisions and plan for future needs of the town. Even as he closed in on his retirement date, he was hard at work completing projects and budgets. Coming in under budget was his trademark.

Joe Mercer has over 20 years with the town as park supervisor. During that time we made substantial improvements to the park and added to the maintenance required to keep it the jewel of Atherton that it is, without increasing the staff. Joe has made sure that swing sets are safe, grass is green, and trees are beautiful.

The park is dear to us all as a place to take our children, celebrate with our friends, and build community. Joe's work has provided us that setting, and the benefits that have resulted.

Both men will be missed and we wish them a wonderful future with their families.

Charles Marsala
Town Council member