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Jerry Thome,Mayor <br /> Pleasanton City Council <br /> June 2, 2014 <br /> Re: Potential Renaming of Hopyard Sports Park to Ken Mercer Sports Park <br /> Thank you so much for considering my input on this decision. This is a difficult letter for <br /> me to write because I have not felt it appropriate to weigh in formally on anything since I <br /> left my position as City Manager in December 2004. I am writing to you now, because I <br /> sincerely believe that some rare individuals deserve to be recognized for the time and <br /> effort they devote to public service. <br /> For those who were involved during the nineties and early 2000's, they know that I made <br /> decisions based on principles, integrity and personal values. Employees were not <br /> allowed to accept gifts or favors because it showed that employees were absolutely <br /> impartial. This even included free Alameda County Fair Tickets because no gifts or <br /> gratuity of any kind was allowed. I really liked Ken so I have challenged myself now <br /> that the Parks Commission is recommending that a public park be named after a past <br /> Mayor. I have wanted to make sure that my thoughts are based on the same principals I <br /> have always used to offer recommendations. Is it in the public's best interest? <br /> From a public interest perspective, I have never been in favor of public buildings or parks <br /> being named after an individual because they are owned by the public at large and not by <br /> individuals. When a request was made to name something after someone who <br /> significantly contributed to its existence I waver. I have always had difficulty, however, <br /> when that individual was still alive because the individual's final reputation had not been <br /> determined. <br /> Consideration is now being given to name Sports Park after Ken Mercer. Ken was <br /> personally responsible along with the City Council in driving the agenda to ensure the <br /> land grant to establish the Sports Park. Not only was Ken involved in the early years to <br /> secure the land grant, but, he continued to be involved in numerous activities, events and <br /> fund-raisers to complete the sports park and help innumerable teams enjoy this incredible <br /> city asset. Finally, I am not sure that many residents could ever devote the time and <br /> energy that Ken Mercer did for decades to make this a better place to live and work. <br /> So after careful consideration, I truly believe it is in the public's best interest to name <br /> Sports Park after Ken Mercer. There are little rewards for voluntary public service and if <br /> someone is truly exemplary and has a reputation beyond reproach, when they are no <br /> longer able to contribute, recognizing them with a permanent landmark on something <br /> they have worked hard to secure is a fitting tribute. As a result, I hope you will name the <br /> Sports Park, Ken Mercer Sports Park. <br /> Deborah McKeehan <br /> City Manager 1990-2005 <br />