Congratulations to new Los Altos leaders

In the wake of last week’s election, we extend congratulations to the new leaders who are sure to serve our community well.

By choosing Val Carpenter and Kurt Colehower for Los Altos City Council, residents are assured of intelligent, hard-working people who will represent them well.

Carpenter has long shown her commitment to community involvement through work on the city’s historical commission and planning commission. She has, as some might say, “done her homework” to prepare for the task at hand. Although we didn’t endorse her, we recognize this marketing professional’s work ethic and people skills which will serve her well in hearing and responding to resident concerns.

Colehower, with his experience in international business, was a virtual unknown until the council race. Still, he has shown himself to be a quick study of the city government process and is equally committed to solving local issues. In Colehower, we expect a fresh voice who will take new perspectives on issues such as public safety and ask questions that haven’t been asked before. Such skills will be vital toward moving the city forward on such issues as the Rosita pools and the downtown hotel.

It’s too bad there wasn’t a third open seat, because candidate Randall Hull would have ably filled it. Hull has also paid his dues and has shown great passion for city issues. We encourage him to stay involved - he is still on the planning commission - and make another go at council in the near future.

Meanwhile, we are pleased that Mark Goines, David Pefley and David Luskin were elected to the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees. The three have demonstrated involvement with the district on several levels, from financial input to fund-raising and involvement in the classroom.

This is the first time in 20 years that a board majority of three newcomers has been elected, but we’re confident these newcomers will bring added insight to crucial budget decisions.

We also expect them to act wisely and responsibly on other major issues confronting the district - decisions on renewing the parcel tax, going to the voters with a bond measure for additional facilities’ renovations and resolving conflicts with Los Altos Hills over use of the Bullis-Purissima school site.

In the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, we congratulate Bruce Swenson and incumbent Paul Fong on their election victories. We also extend congratulations to Laura Casas-Frier of Los Altos, who we endorsed in the Foothill-De Anza race. She was appointed by the board the day after the election to a two-year seat that became available due to the death of board member Andrea Leiderman. We expect all three to ably address the district’s challenges ahead.