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Uploaded: Thursday, August 2, 2012, 2:46 PM                                             

Conlon pulls papers for Atherton council election
He's sixth person to take out candidate papers for November election

by Renee Batti
Almanac Staff

Posted by What??, a resident of the Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park neighborhood, on Aug 2, 2012 at 10:24 pm

This guy has run for everything. He is very qualified, but why does he run for everything...bored?????Try reading or tutoring children as a hobby, not politics.

Posted by POGO, a resident of the Woodside: other neighborhood, on Aug 2, 2012 at 10:44 pm

We should be thanking people who have the will and courage to run for office. If only more people were willing to do so.

The fact that six Athertonians have chosen to do so shows a general discontent with their current elected officials.

Good on these six for standing up and trying to make a difference!

Posted by Atherton Campaign , a resident of the Atherton: Lloyden Park neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 9:04 am

Yes, there is a general discontent with elected officials in Atherton.

However the more that enter the race the less likely change will happen. With so many running the "discontent" vote will be diluted. McKeithen will file at the end of the filing period and be able to win her fourth term with less than 40% of the vote.

There are no runoffs for council seats.

If she is not running, and she made that public; it would help those that have pulled papers better plan their campaigns. That would be in the best interest of Atherton.

If others know she is not running, they may decide to run. That would also benefit Atherton.

Posted by POGO, a resident of the Woodside: other neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 9:21 am

An elected official should not be overly concerned with making it easier for people to run against her.

That's life in the fast lane. Deal with it.

I'm just glad to see a contested race.

Posted by Atherton Campaign, a resident of the Atherton: Lloyden Park neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 10:48 am

POGO,

Accepted: "An elected official should not be overly concerned with making it easier for people to run against her."

However an elected offical does have a fiduciary responsibility to the residents of the town.

If an elected official (McKeithen) refuses to answer reporters' questions to benefit her campaign at the long term expense of the town they represent, is there a concern?

That would be an interesting paragraph in local papers: "Council Member McKeithen has decided to run for a fourth term or has chosen someone to run for her seat, but refuses to publicly state so as part of her campaign strategy to make it difficult on residents who might run.

If she is not going to run, she could help the town by announcing it, encouraging people to run, and offering advise and training to those running.

Posted by Peter Carpenter, a resident of the Atherton: Lindenwood neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 11:49 am
Peter Carpenter is a member (registered user) of Almanac Online

"However an elected offical does have a fiduciary responsibility to the residents of the town."

There is NO fiduciary impact (and hence no such fiduciary responsibility) of a sitting council member announcing or not announcing their intention to run for reelection prior to the close of the legally established filing period.

Posted by POGO, a resident of the Woodside: other neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 1:07 pm

As I said, there is no obligation for anyone - incumbent or not - to inform the public that they are running for office... even if it makes it "easier" for others to decide. Perhaps Ms. McKeithen is waiting to see who is running before she decides. That is certainly her right.

There is, however, a deadline that everyone must observe.

Posted by Atherton Campaign, a resident of the Atherton: Lloyden Park neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 3:16 pm

Correct, she has no legal obligation to inform the public she is running for office.

Posted by Michael G. Stogner, a resident of another community, on Aug 3, 2012 at 5:03 pm

What is just plain wrong.

Why would anyone have to announce their plans or intentions before a filing deadline.

also a contested election is what's best foe Atherton, and a Thank You to all who offered their services.

Posted by Atherton Campaign, a resident of the Atherton: Lloyden Park neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 6:05 pm

Around 2pm today:

Councilwoman Kathy McKeithen told the Almanac today that she has made a decision on whether she will run for re-election, but she will not make the decision public yet. Asked why not, she said, "I just want a certain amount of privacy in my life right now."

Posted by Reference?, a resident of the Atherton: West Atherton neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 7:00 pm

Where is that article from 2 pm today published?

Posted by Atherton Campaign, a resident of the Atherton: Lloyden Park neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 8:58 pm

Councilwoman Lewis files papers for re-election

Posted by eccolo, a resident of the Atherton: other neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2012 at 9:15 pm

Reference?, here's the link:

Web Link