The new group of civil grand jurors in San Mateo County — a panel that is supposed to investigate local government corruption — includes the husband of a Menlo Park City Council member.
…
Palo Alto Daily
By the Daily Post Staff
July 19, 2021
The following response was published two days
later:
Subject: Response to new
watchdog member married to Menlo Park Councilwoman
As a former member of the 2008-2009
San Mateo County Grand Jury, I can tell you that this situation is not unique.
This type of circumstance can present from time to time. People who apply to be
on the grand jury are people who are interested in government and helping it to
work as best as possible for the people.
Potential jurors come from various backgrounds, including clubs, organizations
and civic groups. They can also be citizens who belong to no groups and know no
one in governmental power.
It’s been my experience to have worked with fellow grand jurors who had been
involved in multiple organizations throughout the county. Some were even former
mayors of cities. That fact alone did not preclude them from membership on the
jury.
When one applies to be a member of the grand jury, one fills out a multi-page
application, undergoes a background check by the sheriff’s department and then
completes a personal interview with the Grand Jury Superior Court judge before
their name is put “in the bin” for the final selection of being put on the
jury.
By that time, the Superior Court has developed quite a bit of info about a
potential juror, including whom their spouse is and what that spouse does for a
living.
In summary, the fact that this particular grand juror is the husband of a
sitting city councilwoman does not preclude him from being a part of the
2021-2022 Grand Jury.
However, he will be recused from participating in any and all investigations
concerning the City of Menlo Park throughout his tenure on the jury, thus
preventing any perceived or real conflict of interest.
Barbara
Arietta
July 22, 2021
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