Val Carpenter
• Biographical information:
Age 51. Born in Chicago. Business degree from Indiana University. MBA from Stanford University. Worked in marketing at Procter & Gamble, Advanced Micro Devices and at variety of high-tech companies. Served on the Los Altos Historical Commission. Currently on the Los Altos Planning Commission. Active with Girl Scout Troop 321.
• Why are you running?
“It’s another way for me to give back. I want to make sure the city makes the right decisions for the long term.”
• What are your goals/priorities?
Managing finances conservatively, with balanced budgets and sufficient reserves; maintaining the character of our residential neighborhoods and calming traffic; restoring a public swim facility and promoting vibrant business districts. “Sensible progress (in development) without losing what makes the town unique.”
• What sets you apart?
Wants to “build consensus toward a solution.” Has demonstrated leadership in community service. “I’m a mom (two daughters, 20 and 18) with a different perspective on issues such as child care. I’m a small-business person.”
• Key endorsements: Los Altos Mayor David Casas; John Moss, former Los Altos mayor and current city councilman; Ron Packard, Los Altos mayor pro tem.
Kurt Colehower
• Biographical information:
Age 41. Born in Philadelphia, moved to Los Altos in 1969. Grew up in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Master’s degree in organizational behavior, Stanford University. Lived and worked in Switzerland. Heads own executive search firm, Colehower and Company.
• Why are you running?
“I’m doing this for the most genuine of reasons. I’ve had the good fortune to live in a lot of places around the world. … I always had the intention of coming back and becoming more involved in how the city is run. If we want to keep this special place, more people should be involved.”
• What are your goals/priorities?
General safety, including crime prevention and emergency preparedness; growth in downtown business activity; creating a closer community. He proposes “community initiatives” to unite the city, such as challenging residents to make Los Altos “the cleanest city in the state.”
• What sets you apart?
“I’m able to keep the big picture in mind. I’ve been able to execute a plan.” Colehower said he’s organized, focused on accomplishing goals and accountable.
• Key endorsements: Marge Bruno, former Los Altos mayor and councilwoman; Mary Davey, former Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District president; Penny Lave, Los Altos planning commissioner and former Los Altos mayor and councilwoman.
Chris Croudace
• Biographical information:
Age 55. Born in Berkeley. Attended UC San Diego, Hastings Law School. Works as international tax attorney. Los Altos resident the past 11 years.
• Why are you running?
Croudace’s dissatisfaction with the council’s recent approval of the 5100 El Camino Real condominium project prompted his entry into the council race. “There’s a need to have more people on the council representing the people. I’m not a special-interests guy.” He cites the Los Altos officials’ negotiations with residents over the Rosita pools project as an ideal way of working with residents. “They’re trying to work out a compromise solution,” he said.
• What are your goals/priorities?
“Preserve the semi-rural character of our neighborhoods.” Citing the 5100 El Camino Real project as an example, Croudace said city officials are using zoning laws to favor developers instead of “protecting people.”
• What sets you apart?
“Undivided allegiance to the people in town.” Legal/financial background cited. Croudace said as an attorney, he can challenge the current city attorney’s legal advice to council.
• Key endorsements: None cited.
Randall Hull
• Biographical information:
Age 50. Born in St. Helena, Napa Valley. Educated at Pacific Union College and Art Center College for Design. Has worked independently as an advertising creative director since 1996. Moved to Los Altos in 2000. Currently serving on the Los Altos Planning Commission.
• Why are you running?
“Our wonderful city and neighborhoods did not happen by accident. It was because residents of Los Altos stepped forward and took on the role of guardians and leaders. That is a role I want to fulfill.”
• What are your goals/priorities?
Maintain a balanced budget and build our reserves while providing public safety and sustaining our infrastructure. Enhance the economic vitality of our seven business districts, seek out and recruit anchor retail to encourage positive development downtown. Work with residents and city staff to intelligently address traffic safety issues as a citywide plan rather than piece-meal fixes.
• What sets you apart?
“I’ve attended every council meeting except two for the past three years.” Hull said he listens and is open to having his mind changed based on balancing information. “I have a mind-set I exercised on the commission - I can go in with one position and walk out with another.” Hull added: Good governance is about listening, respecting all views and working to establish common ground.
• Key endorsements: Los Altos Mayor David Casas, and Ron Packard, Los Altos mayor pro tem; King Lear, John Moss, Marge Bruno, Lou Becker, Bob Grimm and James Thurber, all former Los Altos mayors.
