Transparency is key here, and for any government issue. Want us to trust you after the Hanretty adventure and the lack of information about the Peguero escapade? Do things differently, and run complete background checks before you hire. Have procedures in place so no one has free reign with our money. We are tired of you wasting it.

Jeffy - you definitely make good points, but it's worth noting that ladera is not actually in the town of portola valley - ladera is unincorporated san mateo county and not governed by the town council of portola valley.

Jeffy,

Hanretty worked for the PV School District, which is not a part of PV Town government. Including him in your comment about town government is akin to saying you don't trust the cashiers at Target because a cashier at Safeway once gave you the wrong change.

Also, the expression for freedom to do as you please is "free rein" (as in horses), not "free reign" (as in kings).

It's beginning to sound like Peyton Place without the sex, so far. What's next in our little soap opera?

A systematic review of the town's operational mission done by an objective, outside party sounds like the sanest approach to the situation. The Town Hall has a welcoming, helpful atmosphere. The dismissal of the Town Manager was bound to have consequences and may be a symptom of something deeper. In any case, I endorse the actions being taken so far. As for background checks or references, in this day and age of vast data, it's surprisingly difficult to obtain honest references. The idea of bias or bad mouthing people and the resulting litigation results in former employers not going beyond confirming employment.

Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?