Amid Financial Crisis, Candidates Run for Portola Valley Council

Portola Valley, California

As Portola Valley faces a financial crisis, three candidates are running for two open seats on the town council. The candidates are incumbent John Richards, challenger Maryann Moise Derwin, and challenger Dan Tishman.

The town is facing a $1.7 million budget deficit, and the candidates have different ideas on how to address it. Richards, a retired businessman, says he would cut spending and raise taxes as a last resort. Derwin, a former mayor, says she would work to increase revenue and reduce expenses. Tishman, a venture capitalist, says he would focus on economic development to generate more revenue.

Cutting Spending

Richards says he would cut spending by reducing the size of the town staff and renegotiating contracts with vendors. He says he would also consider closing the town library and community center.

Derwin says she would not cut spending, but would instead work to increase revenue. She says she would do this by attracting new businesses to the town and by increasing tourism.

Raising Taxes

Richards says he would raise taxes as a last resort. He says he would only do this if the town was unable to cut spending or increase revenue.

Derwin says she would not raise taxes. She says she believes that the town can balance its budget without raising taxes.

Economic Development

Tishman says he would focus on economic development to generate more revenue. He says he would do this by attracting new businesses to the town and by encouraging the development of new housing.

The election will be held on November 8, 2022.