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Published on 11/09/1998 All articles from this issue

Los Altos City Council installs new mayor, mayor pro tem

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By Joanne Griffith Domingue / Town Crier Staff Writer

Balloon bouquets floated on ribbons above the city council dais. Council members' family and friends beamed from the front rows. The atmosphere felt festive, a time to honor and celebrate.

Los Altos City Council members paid tribute to out-going mayor Kris Casto and installed in-coming mayor Lou Becker at their regular council meeting on Nov. 10.

"You will be remembered for your respectfulness, for keeping us focused," Becker told Casto. "You have established a better working relationship with the council and staff and made the year enjoyable," he said.

Following Becker, each council member shared their take on the year with Casto.

"You led the city with such grace, through the change in city-manager leadership," said Councilman Francis La Poll, who had served as mayor in 1997-98.

John Moss, a first-year councilman, told Casto that she "set a wonderful example of dedication and love."

Councilman King Lear said that, "The council gets along well. The mayor gets the first line of credit.

"We don't all vote the same, but we hold each other in high regard."

Casto noted the "wonderful legacy" she inherited from past mayors and reflected on highlights of her year.

On her watch a new city manger, Phil Rose, was hired; the youth commission started; a task force is reviewing residential guidelines; Loyola Fire Station is undergoing a remodel; three new police officers for traffic enforcement will be on the streets in January.

"It's been a team effort with you folks, too," Casto told her council colleagues.

Councilman Lou Becker was then sworn in as mayor and John Moss as mayor pro tem.

Becker reflected on the past year, noting the increase in public safety with the addition of the traffic officers and the paramedics who now are on each fire engine.

For the year ahead, Becker wants to get on with the development of the city-owned land at 401 Rosita, bought in 1996 for fields and city recreation.

He also wants to expand computer use in city hall and begin an independent review of a city department.

This past year public works was reviewed.

Following the formalities, folks adjourned to the Los Altos Youth Center, located behind City Hall, for cake and celebration.