It was with horror that my husband happened to read to me the Almanac’s endorsement of Measure F, which in support of its endorsement relied on a reference to “This council and the council that preceded it, which included the fiscally astute Kathy McKeithen and Jim Dobbie …” Shame on you Almanac — to use my and Jim’s names in such a way as to imply that we would support this parcel tax!
For many years on the council, I worked closely with Jim. As a matter of fact, he was solely responsible for my running for a third term. Jim and I both loved this town and tried always to place it before our personal interests. We thought alike and typically voted alike. So I think I can safely say he would cringe at the thought of this parcel tax passing.
Jim and I worked for many years, together with Bill Widmer and a very courageous Town Manager who was with us for just about one year, to work to secure a firm financial footing for the town. It was not easy and was met with much resistance, sometimes even within the council. Few people will now believe how close the town was to bankruptcy. It was a long and very involved process, but we finally got there.
I had to laugh when, just about one month after I left the council, I read the terms of the first negotiated contract. I thought it was a joke. In addition, our new City Manager was already backing out of his pledge to live in the town home and was, instead, going to continue to reside in Marin, and was asking for, and subsequently given, more money. Recently, so his salary can appear lower, he continues to receive additional compensation in the form of IT and car allowances, and even bonuses! I could go on. A new, fiscally frugal council you say??!!! Transparency you say? I disagree.
I have been working with Sandy Crittenden on the ballot measure for some weeks now but had sought to keep a low profile for personal reasons. The Almanac’s editorial has forced me to do otherwise.
I wholeheartedly recommend a NO vote on Measure F.
— Kathy McKeithen, former member, Atherton Town Council and mayor
Redwood City attorney sues ‘First Amendment auditors’ after Menlo Park disputeApril 2, 2026 11:31 am
