By Last week's introduction of four designs for a new Los Altos Hills Town Hall represented a change in direction and philosophy for the town council under new members Dean Warshawsky and Breene Kerr.

Kerr and Warshawsky, both elected in a landslide last November, are keeping campaign promises to undertake a more democratic process for choosing a design for town hall. This is because the previous council had come up with a mission-style design that suited council members fine, but not the residents.

Many citizens took issue with the design and cost involved. In addition, it appeared that, while town committees were in on the process early on, residents at large were left out.

The mission-style design is still there, but this time there are three other alternative schemes from which to choose. Included are more functional, wood-based structures lacking in ostentation, something many residents said they wanted in keeping with the rural landscape of Los Altos Hills.

Even the mission-style design has been toned down, its tower now conforming to town height limits.

The four alternatives were presented last week at a special council meeting.

Plans from here are to survey town residents on a large scale to inquire of their preferences.

While the council members are quick to point out that the council will have the final decision on the design, the survey will play a major role in helping them determine that choice.

In addition, the council has set a public hearing on the council designs for April 3.

Surely this change of plan, starting over with the designs, will cost the town thousands of dollars in additional fees for everything from new renderings to mailings for the town survey. It also negates the costly design work done on the original plan, should the mission-style design not be chosen.

However, some, most or all costs could be made up through selection of a far less costly alternative. Estimated prices are yet to come in on the new alternative sites, but the mission plan was in excess of $5 million. There must be a less expensive way, especially in these hard economic times for municipalities all over the state.

We expect Warshawsky, Kerr and the rest of the council to keep cost a priority, along with ensuring that all who wish to comment on the new town hall plans will have a chance to do so. Then, and only then, will the final result be a new town hall of which residents can be proud. And we expect that once residents have had a chance for full input, they will accept the final choice without further controversy.