Only one challenger emerges in Menlo Park council race

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Aug 18, 2008 | by Banks Albach

Only one challenger has emerged to try to unseat either Menlo Park Mayor Andy Cohen or City Councilwoman Kelly Fergusson this November.

Richard Ciardella, a local business owner and former chairman of the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, is the lone contender standing in the incumbents' way to re-election.

Cohen said he welcomes the competition.

"It's always good when the issues troubling a city are properly aired and openly discussed," Cohen said.

Cohen and Fergusson were elected together in 2004 and aligned as a voting minority their first two years, but have occasionally differed since the council balance tipped in their favor with the victories of newcomers Richard Cline and Vice Mayor Heyward Robinson in 2006.

Councilman John Boyle, more conservative than his colleagues, also took a seat that year.

In their candidate statements, Cohen and Fergusson cite several accomplishments from their last term. Topping the list was making city government more transparent and responsive to the public. Cohen and Fergusson also highlight what they claim are successes in the police department.

Cohen says a 25 percent raise over three years has led to better officer retention. And Fergusson points to a new motorcycle unit dedicated to traffic enforcement.

In addition, Cohen touts his launch of the volunteer Budget Advisory Committee while Fergusson showcases her creation of the volunteer Green Ribbon Citizens' Committee. Fergusson also points to the recent opening of Tesla Motors on El Camino Real, which will eventually generate about $1,000 of sales tax per car sold for the city budget.

"I am running to continue the positive direction we've established over the last couple of years," Fergusson said. "I want to finish what we've started."

A sticking point between the incumbents and the challenger could be economic growth, specifically the revitalization of El Camino Real, which is still in a conceptual phase after several months of brainstorming and planning.

Ciardella could not be reached for comment, but from his statement of purpose, he seems to be running on an economic growth platform, saying he's "committed to revitalizing our business sector with a mix of commerce that serves our community.

"Enough study," Ciardella's statement reads. "We need more action, and it's time for a change."

He says it is possible to grow the local economy, protect neighborhoods, help schools and streamline the city process, all while being fiscally and environmentally responsible.

School board race

Meanwhile, the Menlo Park City School District Board of Education is already on track for two new faces. Maria Hilton and Mark Box, both active district volunteers, are the only two candidates for two open seats.

Board member Terry Thygesen and board president Bruce Ives chose not to seek re-election this year after serving two terms each.

Neither Hilton nor Box could be reached for comment, but current board member Deborah Fitz said both are highly qualified. She said she co-chaired the Measure U school bond campaign with Box, and that Hilton has served as president of the Menlo-Atherton Education Foundation, the district's main outside fundraising source.

"They'll both make outstanding additions to the board," Fitz said.

Banks Albach can be reached at balbach@dailynewsgroup.com.