The fact that Lou Becker has been an effective mayor was not lost on the voters of Los Altos. After barely squeaking by in the 1995 election, Becker was the top voter-getter this time around.
With good reason. His efficiency, fairness and businesslike approach at council meetings quickly earned the trust and respect of those who came in contact with him.
During his one-year mayoral stint, Becker streamlined council meetings with prompt 7 p.m. starts, a change from 7:30 p.m., and taking no new business after 11 p.m. Any items not addressed were carried over to the next meeting. This prompted brisk, effective airing of agenda items and ensured that tired councilmembers would not be voting on important issues in the early-morning hours.
His quiet leadership ended dissension between city staff and commissions that had flared under recent previous administrations. Gone were acrimonious meetings that led to the firing of a planning commission member and ugly neighborhood wars fought at council meetings.
A non-politician, Becker is one of us, a resident who is on the council because he wants to help. He has proven himself a good listener and responsive mayor.
Now we have the good fortune of having Becker around four more years. This community is in good hands.