Posted by at-large elections = taxation without representation, a resident of another community, on Nov 24, 2012 at 1:30 pm

In a voice mail, Ms. Groom replied to the question on the threat to incumbents by elaborating on the ballot argument against Measure B. The board deals with regional issues, and at-large candidates are "much more engaged" with those issues, she said. In unincorporated areas, where the board acts as city council, if Measure B passes, "they'll only have one representative instead of five and I think that's a lack of access to government."

UNINCORPORATED AREAS CURRENTLY HAVE NO REPRESENTATIVE ON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS! District elections will give unincorporated areas one representative and that's a big improvement over the current lack of representation. Shame on the Supervisors who opposed Measure B.

Posted by Menlo Observer, a resident of the Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park neighborhood, on Nov 25, 2012 at 8:38 am

If you use Ms. Groom's tortured logic then all Congressmen and Senators should be elected by the entire country. Can you imagine a ballot with 535 congressional candiates listed and 33 or 34 senators listed?

The crux of the matter is that Ms. Groom desires to stifle competition. She wants it so that the only way a Superviorial candidate can run for office is to have the backing of the San Mateo County Democratic machine which means labor union endorsements.

There are plenty candidates, both Democrat and Republican, who recognize the need for pension reform. Ms. Groom thinks it is more important to maintain the dysfunctional Democratic Party Labor Union alliance which serves the Democratic Party and the Labor Unions well; but at the expense of the residents of San Mateo County.

It is time for the Democratic Party to think more abour serving the people they represent than accumulating the war chest for the next campaign. Shame on Carol Broom.