Palo Alto City Attorney Molly Stump is retiring at the end of the year, prompting a search for a replacement.
She is retiring after 35 years in public service and 15 with the city. Previously she was at San Francisco City Hall.
“It’s been an honor to come to work every day to solve problems and support projects and activities that improve community life,” Stump said in a statement released by the city. “Rebuilding Palo Alto’s libraries, constructing affordable housing, creating innovative programs to fight climate change – these are a few of the many things my team and I have contributed to over the years. I look forward to supporting the Council to bring the best leader to Palo Alto for the challenges ahead.”
“Molly has been an extraordinary advisor and colleague, providing invaluable guidance to the City’s work on behalf of the Palo Alto community. She will be sorely missed by our entire team,” said City Attorney Ed Shikada.
Council’s Appointed Officers Committee will meet Sept. 9 to discuss the recruitment of a replacement. The City Attorney manages a budget of approximately $5 million and oversees the work of 13 employees.
Last year, council gave Stump a 6% raise. Her salary is $365,266 plus $33,082 paid into her retirement plan. The $365,266 doesn’t include the cost of benefits.
Can we please have a more transparent process to select the new Palo Alto city attorney?
Council’s previous opaque process that led to the selection Stump, a product of the San Francisco political machine and a patronage job as chief council for SF County owned and operated SFO, left the public wondering where Stump’s true loyalties lie.