I think it's unfortunate there is not going to be much in the way of choice for this election. Four candidates for three seats. But that probably is a result of the general nastiness that has been associated with Atherton politics, and the attitude that anyone who disagrees with the status quo should be ostracized. I'm thinking of the Kathy McKeithen blog here, which also called out a recent council candidate for ridicule simply because she was perceived to be aligned with Kathy on some issues.

I think what would benefit Atherton is an expansion of the council to more seats, like Woodside has, and a by-neighborhood voting system so a rep is chosen from each neighborhood. This would enable individual issues to get more attention. I think Atherton could be divided into seven zones that would make sense.