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Two of the new faces to Menlo Park’s City Council now occupy the city’s two positions as mayor and vice mayor.
Cecilia Taylor, who represents Menlo Park on the city’s Bay side of U.S. 101 in District 1, was chosen by her fellow council members to serve as mayor for the next year. Drew Combs, who represents the Willows, Flood Triangle and Suburban Park neighborhoods in District 2, will be vice mayor.
Taylor said the city is unique right now because three council members were elected from districts and two were elected citywide. “Together we provide a unique perspective of the city of Menlo Park and what our community is looking for in our service,” she added.
Combs was picked for the role of vice mayor after receiving a nomination from Betsy Nash, who would also have been in the running for the position.
In brief remarks, Combs talked about the random circumstances that brought him to Menlo Park in the first place: a lucky Craigslist listing for an apartment in his price range. After having served on the city’s Planning Commission and now being on its City Council, he said, “For me, being involved in local government here has been an amazing journey. I look forward to continuing it as vice mayor.”
The positions of mayor and vice mayor rotate each year, and the council’s tradition is to give each council member a chance to serve in those positions.
The council’s meeting also included a recognition of the outgoing mayor, Ray Mueller. Taylor presented Mueller with a proclamation and said, “I appreciate the invaluable mentorship and the leadership you have provided the council this past year. … Through your leadership, I learned agenda management, meeting management and a thoughtful way to build relationships with our staff.”
