|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Two candidates are running to replace Mayor Betsy Nash to represent District 4, which covers downtown Menlo Park and the Allied Arts neighborhood.
Charlotte Reed, a singer and communications professional, and Laura Melahn, a venture capitalist and Menlo Park Finance and Audit Commission member, are running to represent the district.
To help voters see where they stand on key issues, The Almanac sent a questionnaire to all six City Council hopefuls running for three district seats on the Nov. 3 ballot. Each candidate was asked to answer if they favor or oppose six policies and to rate the city on eight areas.
Candidates were allowed to provide brief explanations to explain their answers, if necessary. The responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.
Both Reed and Melahn said that the city should fight the developer who is suing the city for delaying approval of a controversial proposed high-rise topping 39 stories at 80 Willow Road, and favor eliminating automated license plate readers. Melahn declined to say where she stands on Measure P, which, if passed, would require a citywide vote before the parking lots could be repurposed. Across the three council districts going before voters, all five other candidates say they oppose the measure. Melahn wants to allow cars to drive through the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue, but supports closing it to vehicle traffic for events. Reed abstained from taking a position.
Downtown Menlo Park has dominated many of the Menlo Park City Council’s meetings over the past two years as the business community organized in opposition to a plan to build affordable housing and replacement parking on three downtown parking lots. Business and property owners contend that the development could be detrimental to the city’s commercial center, which is already struggling with high vacancy rates. Residents organized to put a citizen’s initiative, Measure P, on the ballot.
The council has made downtown vibrancy a priority, hoping to fill empty storefronts and increase foot traffic. Earlier this year, councilmembers voted to allow more types of businesses after a property owner footed the bill for city staff to study it. The council also has plans to turn the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue into a pedestrian plaza.
Two other seats on the council are on the ballot. Two people are running to succeed Councilmember Cecilia Taylor, who did not seek reelection in District 1. In District 2, Councilmember Drew Combs is facing a challenger as he seeks a third term.
See the answers of all candidates below:
Visit The Almanac’s 2026 Election Center to learn more about the local races on your ballot.
Most Popular
Guest opinion: For Menlo Park's Measure P or not for P, that is the questionOctober 4, 2026 11:02 am
