The Town Council appoints veteran and newcomer to planning terms
Bruno reappointed; Morgan leaves after 18 years service
Muller starts four-year term
By Nathan R. Huff
The Town Council on Jan. 18 appointed Suzanne Muller and reappointed Paul Bruno to the Planning Commission. Kathyrn Morgan, who has served the past 18 years on the commission, was not reappointed.
Although commissioners in the past have been virtually guaranteed reappointment, council members said Muller's qualifications, combined with the need to go in a new direction, led to their decision not to reappoint Morgan.
Before offering his support to Bruno and Muller at the meeting, Mayor Steve Blanton spoke of the positive role Morgan has played as a teacher and a planning commissioner. "I appreciate everything Kathy has done," Blanton later explained. "But I think it's time to have an opportunity for someone else to participate."
Morgan, whose 18-year run was the longest in Planning Commission history, said that she understood the council's decision, but was disappointed. Morgan had said this past term would be her last, but she was hoping her dual role as a planning commissioner and member of Los Gatos High School's Facilities Committee could positively affect the design of the school's new buildings. "I thought I could be of help and experience," Morgan said. "I just wish I'd had the political intuition to talk with the individual council members beforehand and just not apply."
Muller, who will begin her four-year term in February, first entered the town's political scene as a member of the General Plan Task Committee. She had applied to be a planning commissioner twice previously.
"[The General Plan Committee] has been a wonderful experience. We had a good team of people," Muller said. "I think this is a logical next step for me."
Muller, a 20-year resident of Los Gatos, runs a product development and design company named Interform. She said she falls in the middle of the property-rights advocacy versus the "don't change anything" mentality. "Having lived here a long time, I've seen a lot of change, and overall, I think it's been good," Muller said. "But I do have concerns over too much growth overextending our infrastructure."
Commissioner Sandy Decker said Muller will be "an excellent Planning Commissioner." However, Decker added that she is very sad to see Morgan go. "Kathy's time and effort have been exemplary," Decker said. "She's the reason we have so many historical buildings that are still standing."
Commissioner Paul Bruno said he was "absolutely happy" to be reappointed, and looked forward to continuing to ensure that construction in Los Gatos was of the highest quality. "I want to continue to emphasize that it's a privilege to build in Los Gatos, not a right," Bruno said. "That will be reflected in all my decisions."
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
