LETTERS LETTERS (July 27, 2005)

Remembering Jim Morton

Editor:

I was saddened to read about the death of Jim Morton, the former town attorney, because we worked very closely while I was town clerk between 1976 and 1981. Because the town had a staff of only four people (including myself), we depended on professional consultants to guide us. I learned a lot from him about municipal law. It was a different era from today's world.

While we faced the challenges of updating the general plan (aided by George Mader of Spangle & Associates), formal actions and resolutions were crafted just in time for council meetings. In those days, only the planning consultant provided formal reports. Yet, we were able to achieve the rezoning of the land west of Portola Road, preserve Windy Hill, and keep the concept of open and volunteer government viable. (We even had the challenge of disposing of a pony that had been surrendered to the town as a result of a violation of town ordinances.)

Jim (I always called him Mr. Morton, since he was several years older than I) could work within this environment, despite the fact that he served a number of other larger agencies and special districts. I believe that the town of Portola Valley was especially important to him because he had been involved in its incorporation. He relished his service to government; and perhaps as much his opportunities to go duck hunting. Linda Craig Former town clerk-chief administrative officer Portola Valley

Council comments should be subject to public scrutiny

Editor:

It is one thing for Menlo Park City Council members to participate in public discussions in city commission meetings, where their views and comments are subject to public scrutiny. It is entirely another thing when council members insert private letters into commission packets after the public comment portion is closed. This practice wrongfully eliminates public disclosure, comment and oversight.

In the case of Mayor Winkler including her private letter to city planning commissioners, who then unanimously reversed an earlier unanimous decision, her action reeks of backroom deals that are against the public good.

Residents of Menlo Park are entitled to full, open and public discussions and disclosures from our elected officials regarding public business. Anything less is unacceptable. Elizabeth Lasensky Fremont Street, Menlo Park

Kudos for Cooper and PHS' Scott Delucchi

Editor:

Thanks for the great article by Katie Bearman on "Scott & Cooper" of the Peninsula Humane Society. It's an unbeatable team -- those two. Friendly and enthusiastic, even when showing off a dog's version of an oxygen mask, Cooper is indeed Scott's best friend. And Scott's innovative ideas keep coming every week -- a new project to keep PHS in people's hearts and minds, a new wacky name for Pet of the Week, news scoops on various animals up for adoption or just of real interest.

Scott and Cooper race on together for the benefit of this county's animals. And their people. Trish Hooper Portola Road, Portola Valley

E-mail a friend a link to this story.