by Kimia Pakdaman
Opinion Editor
Seeing the campaign posters on lawns that read “Peggy” or “Rice” for town council signals that the Los Gatos’ Town Council elections are approaching.
There are four candidates running for two seats on the council. The candidates are Michael Kane, Barbara Spector, Steve Rice, and Peggy Dallas, who all have experience in community service and local government. Spector is the only candidate who is rerunning for her previous spot on Town Council, so Los Gatos is bound to see something new after the elections.
Kane’s experience in local government ranges from being the Treasurer for the Chamber of Commerce to a former member of Chair of the Planning Commission, Kane has practice in local government Los Gatos. Because the Planning Commission is a major component in the Town Council, Kane’s experience would help him aid the town.
Spector has been a member of the Town Council for four years and on the Planning Commission for eight years. As mayor, Spector will make sure to keep the funding for redevelopment, such as repaving roads or the new library.. Spector wants to continue to protect Los Gatos’ hillside. “I strongly feel that our hillsides are what makes us, Los Gatos, different,” commented Spector. She also hopes to make Los Gatos the lead agency on a partnership to find funding and property for a recreational center. Spector is the only candidate rerunning for her pervious spot on Town Council.
Rice has also served on the Planning Commission and was the past president of Los Gatos’ Rotary Club. “One of my biggest concerns is around the finances of the Town. In less than two years, the Town’s operating budget will be ‘in the red,’” explained Rice. He hopes to keep Los Gatos from feeling the effects.
Peggy Dallas serves on the Architectual Standards Committee. Dallas feels that her experience as an architect helps her with land use issues. Dallas also wants to “work for more valuable things for teens to do in Town—such as places to shop, to play, or hang out,” additionally Dallas hopes to fix traffic and parking issues at LGHS.
The elections, which are on Nov. 4, will inevitably bring a new point of view and knowledge to the Town Council. All four candidates experience and a spirit for keeping Los Gatos a prosperous and thriving town.