The passing of the gavel is a tradition signaling not only a changing of Cupertino's mayoral guard, but also of handing down a tradition of strong government, said James.

Kwok, who had been serving as vice-mayor, promised to honor that tradition, while also helping the city tackle new challenges. "I know I have big shoes to fill," said Kwok. "And the city has been hammered by budget deficits, but Cupertino is a city of solutions."

Kwok outlined three areas he plans to focus on during his one-year term. "I want to build confidence in our city by building trust," he said in announcing his first goal of improving communications between the city government and its residents.

Kwok promised to expand the city's outreach efforts by holding a series of town hall meetings, and through making meetings more accessible to working residents by holding them after 5 p.m.

He echoed the theme of civic engagement when discussing his second goal.

"I want to maximize residents' input in the General Plan revision," he said, "and we should use the task force [General Plan] report as the framework. He also assured the Concerned Citizens of Cupertino, a local group that seeks changes in the General Plan, that he would work to include them.

Finally, Kwok promised to work hard to attract more retail operations, which have struggled of late in the city. In particular, Kwok said he was especially excited about plans for Vallco Fashion Park, which include a movie theater and a mixed-use residential and commercial project.

Councilman, Richard Lowenthal, who will take over for Kwok as vice-mayor, shared his experiences of working with Kwok on city council matters. Speaking of a campaign promise made by Kwok during his city council run in 2001, Lowenthal said, "Patrick promised seniors a commission so they would have a voice on the council. He made a promise and followed through. That doesn't always happen in politics and it shows great integrity."

Hard work has been a theme of Kwok's life. In an earlier interview with the Cupertino Courier, Kwok--the son of a ship's steward--spoke of immigrating to the United States from his native Hong Kong as young man. He arrived in the country with $200 and a wife and young child.

He has since raised a family of six, worked full time and earned four college degrees, including a master's in public administration, from Hayward State University and a graduate degree in engineering from San José State University. "I learned if you work hard, you will get somewhere," he said.

The hard work has also taken him from an entry-level position at a refinery in Rodeo, to his current management job with the San Jose Water Control Plant and his additional involvement in civic life.

Ten years ago, finally established, and with his children out of school and on their own, Kwok said he found the time to ask, "What am I going to give back?"

The question initially led him to volunteer with the YMCA and the Chinese Historical Society and then into politics. He served as the first Asian American on Cupertino's planning commission.

The experience helped him get to know the city better and, in turn, helped the city get to know him. He also gained enough supporters to successfully run for city council.

Outgoing mayor, James, said "It's a good feeling to pass the gavel to Patrick. He's got his heart in the right place."