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Following Council member Ray Mueller’s election to the San Mateo Board of Supervisors and subsequent resignation, the Menlo Park City Council is seeking applications to finish out his term and represent District 5.
Eligible residents must be at least 18 years old, a registered voter and live in Menlo Park’s District 5, which covers Sharon Heights, Sandhill and some of West Menlo Park. The resident appointed to the position will fulfill the two years remaining of Mueller’s term.
The City Council decided in a Nov. 30 meeting not to replace Mueller by way of an election, as the vacancy would leave District 5 without representation on crucial decisions, including the housing element update. The earliest possible election would be May 2023.
“My preference, or default, is to allow voters to choose their elected officials rather than elected officials choosing other elected officials,” Councilmember Drew Combs said. “It seems as though there is really no way to allow the voters to have a say … (unless it’s) vacant for the majority of 2023.”
Any person appointed to the City Council will need to commit to attending regular council meetings, and can apply using an online form or request a paper form.
Applications for the City Council are due Dec. 20 at 5 p.m., and the City Council is scheduled to review applications and make an appointment on Dec. 21.
Attention Menlo Together members living in District 5
Isn’t Karen Grove in district 5? I think we have our new council member!
But don’t worry, folks: the council is going to continue doing what’s best for residents, whether or not it fits with their personal ideology.
The Council decision to select a new council member on its own in the month of December is a terrible idea!!! Clearly the City Council needs to find an option that does allow residents of District 5 to consider candidates AND have a significant say in who is selected to represent us for the next TWO years. The two poor alternatives described here are UNACCEPTABLE. The Council needs to be creative. Why not simply develop a TRANSPARENT formal process for creating a list of candidates and then conduct a single rank-choice survey? Aim to complete the entire process in February.
Whoever replaces Ray will need to file a Statement of Financial Interests- The coveted Form 700.
https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/2824/Form-700-Statement-of-Economic-Interest
Should be interesting.
It would be great to see postings by all the candidates for district 5 stating what their priorities are for the city for the next 2 years.
I forgot to mention of Ray Mueller’s skills is as a Council member and neighbor advocate.