LETTERS (December 08, 2004)

Time for losers to accept election result Editor:

One of the salient features of democracy is that, once an election has been decided, the losers accept the result and, if they are so inclined, become members of the loyal opposition.

The bitter letter from Mary Giles in the November 24 Almanac suggests that she has difficulty grasping the foregoing concept.

Ms. Giles complains that Kelly Fergusson, who led the ticket in our recent City Council election, was endorsed by such "special interests" as the Sierra Club. I cannot imagine any reasonable person who would regard the Sierra Club as a "special" interest. Like the Sierra Club, doesn't everyone believe in maintaining and improving the environment in which we live?

Ms. Giles can be certain that both Kelly Fergusson and Andy Cohen will devote themselves as City Council members to making Menlo Park a "better place to live and do business." That, after all, was the crux of their campaign.

The key factor that is currently driving retail business out of Menlo Park is the ever-escalating rents being charged by commercial landlords. Landlord groups made significant contributions to both Michael Lambert and Lori Sinnott, whom Ms. Giles supported. They can do their part to improve the business climate by persuading their landlord donors to moderate their rental demands.

James R. Madison

Holly Avenue, Menlo Park

Looking back on Paul Collacchi's service

Editor:

After two terms of leadership in Menlo Park, Paul Collacchi is stepping down from the City Council.

Paul worked very hard to improve the quality of the city during his tenure. He led the council in finding a new city manager. He championed the city's conservative fiscal policy that helped create a $31 million reserve, resulting in our "AAA" rating for Menlo Park's bonds by Fitch Ratings, a Global Ratings Agency.

Paul, along with other community leaders, helped spearhead the campaign for Measure T, which is paying for substantial improvements in our recreational facilities. He also helped Menlo Park win a better financial deal for widening Sand Hill Road, shifting the fiscal risk to Stanford.

Paul was always thoroughly prepared on the issues that came before the council. He asked insightful questions, trying to get the facts. He met with, and listened to, his constituents when they wanted to discuss problems facing the city. He skillfully analyzed technical, financial, and legal matters brought to the council's attention, and he publicly shared his thoughtful insights. Paul's understanding of the democratic and public process was reflected in his fair-minded considerations and decisions. We were so fortunate to have this kind of sophistication at the local level.

Paul leaves big shoes to fill. The residents of Menlo Park will miss his leadership in maintaining our great quality of life. Thank you, Paul.

David Speer Orange Avenue, Menlo Park

A fond goodbye to Chuck Kinney

Editor:

Chuck Kinney is stepping down from the Menlo Park City Council, but I hope he stays involved with city issues.

Chuck is one of the most friendly, respected people in government that I have ever met. He has worked with his constituents on issues, and has been leading the charge to keep Menlo Park beautiful.

Chuck¼s presentations at the City Council about the Heritage Tree Ordinance, San Francisquito Creek, residential zoning, and Trees for Menlo show that he has a keen insight about the key concerns of Menlo Park citizens. Chuck fought hard for a fair residential zoning ordinance (still to be achieved), and protected our Heritage Tree Ordinance when it came under attack.

Chuck believed in first listening, and then acting on those reasonable points brought up by concerned residents. He has his priorities in the right place.

The last two years have been difficult for Chuck, as the council majority has refused to listen to his background and wisdom on important issues such as the city¼s recent Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan and the residential zoning ordinance. It is sad to see that such a dedicated, hard-working, friendly, reasonable citizen who wants to serve his community driven out by the high-handed political antics of the council majority.

Chuck, we will miss your listening, caring wisdom on the Council. Thank you for your years of service.

Dana Shields and Bob Hubbell

Woodland Avenue, Menlo Park

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