Politics & Government

City Council Race Starts Early

Menlo Park Transportation Commissioner declares intent to run in November election.

Raymond Mueller announced Tuesday he will be running for a seat on the Menlo Park City Council this November.

Mueller is the first to publicly declare intent to run this year.

He entered the local political arena almost two years ago when the Council appointed him to the . The commission is a local public policy review board composed of volunteers who advise the council about the transportation elements of . 

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Six of the city’s Planning Commissioners have endorsed Mueller thus far. , , , John O’Malley, , and stated they support him.

If elected, Mueller said he would focus on creating jobs within city borders, preserving the quality of life in Menlo Park, and retaining tax revenues from existing businesses in town.  

“In general terms, my priorities are simple: build community, protect and improve the quality of life of our residents, protect our aesthetic and natural environment, and steady the City on a path towards sustainable fiscal stability,” .

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He has also expressed interest in discovering whether modifying the laws that regulate land use in the city’s industrially-zoned areas could bolster the city's long-term goals. 

“Can we do more to tap and enhance the economic engine of the Silicon Valley, to the benefit of our residents?” . 

“I believe diversification of the City’s tax revenue base is an essential component to it’s long-term fiscal stability. There are only so many hotels you can build, and so many times you can raise in an attempt to raise revenues.”

Mueller says he plans to be a classic leader, listening to residents and finding solutions to problems. He said his approach to public policy creation and his demeanor will separate him from the pack. 

“I plan on being extremely candid with voters, and much more available to them on a personal level than perhaps they are used to,” . “I hope they challenge me to remain substantive and stay away from references to the vague principles many candidates use as safety nets,” he said.

The City Council race will take place in November 2012.  

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