Alliance of Past Mayors Endorsement
King Lear spoke at the Campaign Kickoff on June 6
Lear announced that he and seven other former Los Altos mayors endorse Larry Lang for City Council. These are his remarks.
Update September 25:
Former Los Altos mayor Jan Pepper added her endorsement.
Our “Alliance of Past Mayors” is endorsing Sally Meadows and Jonathan Weinberg to be reelected and to elect Larry Lang for the open seat.
Curtis Cole, our chair, is out of town so I will say a few words about our group and our endorsement process. We were convened by Roy Lave in 2018 to help defeat Measure C. We have continued to work for excellence in city government. Today we are eight: Curtis Cole, Penny Lave, Marge Bruno, Mary Prochnow, Art Carmichael, Dave Reeder, Frank Verlot and me.
We support candidates who have the right purpose and the competence and personality needed to achieve that purpose. We focus on quality not issues, so there is no quid pro quo. We do support boldness in purpose (like the Community Center).
Purpose
The candidate runs to serve the general public, not some organization. Seeks to improve the quality of life in (and the reputation of) this city for city employees, residents, property owners, business owners, and visitors, while being fiscally prudent.
Competence and personality
Example qualities we look for.
With an open and innovative mind the candidate understands and has helped
solve complex issues as a member of a team.
Willing to do the work.
Have some experience with personnel, finance, and operations.
Have the self-confidence needed to listen, and to accept/create new ideas.
Be honest, respectful, and have a sense of humor.
Understand and accept a city-manager form of government.
Have the courage to make the right decision in the face of controversy.
As individuals we have supported Neysa, Sally, Jonathan, and Pete and their performance confirms our judgement. We are now happy to endorse Larry Lang.
Our city is very fortunate to have such talented people volunteering their time and energy. If our endorsed candidates win (!) this would be the best council team in my memory. Since quality attracts quality, I am feeling good about the future of our city.
