Posted by Feliciaa, a resident of the Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park neighborhood, on Dec 14, 2012 at 3:13 pm

I'd like tu say 'welcome' to Mr. Cogan...BUT his statement that his main mission Is "developing strong relationships with the business community of Menlo Park" worries me. What about the community, children, old folks--traffic, library cuts etc. He sounds like an Eastern Chamber of Commerce guy. Is that ALL?

Posted by Fred W, a resident of the Menlo Park: Downtown neighborhood, on Dec 14, 2012 at 3:30 pm

What's his experience as a business development manager? What's the City Manager's experience in managing such a position?

Posted by Menlo Voter, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on Dec 14, 2012 at 7:17 pm

Uh, he's a "business development manager." That's his job. Not community, children, old folks, etc. The City council sees to all of that. This guy is staff. Let him do his job.

Posted by old timer, a resident of the Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park neighborhood, on Dec 15, 2012 at 5:21 am

We have a new City Manger. He builds up his bureaucracy. MP needs a business development manager like one needs "a hole in ones head". Maybe he will next try to hire an assistant business development manager --- if we need one why not two?

Posted by Joanna, a resident of the Menlo Park: Downtown neighborhood, on Dec 16, 2012 at 2:27 pm

Another six-figure salary for a GOVERNMENT employee...

Posted by POGO, a resident of the Woodside: other neighborhood, on Dec 16, 2012 at 2:44 pm

IDEA: Every time our government hires an employee - especially when they create a "new" position - they should have to disclose the projected pension liability for that hire.

When people realize the MILLIONS of dollars they will have to pay, perhaps they will reconsider.

Posted by Menlo Voter, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on Dec 16, 2012 at 7:40 pm

POGO:

I think this is a replacement of a existing position.

Posted by WhoRUpeople, a resident of another community, on Dec 17, 2012 at 11:03 am

Why does MP need a business development person? Well, for starters, empty storefronts, vacant car dealerships, a very convoluted set of zoning rules that need to be updated, dwindling tax revenues. I just hope the elected officials are smart enough to listen to what he says; unlike how they did when Dave Johnson was on the job. If you want businesses to come and to invest, you have got to meet them at least somewhere in the middle.

Posted by Waste of $, a resident of the Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park neighborhood, on Dec 17, 2012 at 1:21 pm

A true BD professional might be able to help our city, but this new staffer is about as well qualified for the job as Johnson was, unable to do anything constructive but more than willing to take credit for any new business in town...whether or not he even knew about it, much less had anything to do with it. Another drain on our finances.

Posted by Waste of $, a resident of the Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park neighborhood, on Dec 17, 2012 at 1:25 pm

Who, you do understand that the "vacant car dealerships" that upset so many of us are located on land belonging to Stanford,and that Stanford has deliberately permitted the property to remain in that condition. That vacant land is no reason to hire a BD.

With the new Arrilaga/Stanford mega-development, all complaints about the vacant car lots will vanish, as legions of drivers stuck in gridlock on El Camino will yearn for the good old days.