Los Gatos Weekly-Times Editorials How come it's so quiet this year? Just about everyone who pays close attention to the local political scene predicted this year's election would be a knock-down, drag-out brawl among a large field of candidates. That's because several projects before the Town Council were bitterly contested and anti-growth sentiment was in the wind. What's more, coalitions seemed to be forming to challenge the status quo. So what happened? We think there are several reasons this year's race is the quietest in memory. Two years ago, when the economy was sagging and the town was facing a budget shortfall, there was something to get into a heated debate about--and the candidates did. For some, potholes and reduced library hours became a battle cry. This year, the town is reaping unexpected rewards from the fallout of the Silicon Valley boom. Reduced library hours have been restored, and a summer of street paving rendered the pothole debate moot. The SummerHill project, which threatened to be one of the town's most divisive issues, ended in a near lovefest, with the developer making numerous concessions, including a donation to the town of a large parcel of prime open space with trails. In short, things have gone much better than they might have lately. That's not to say that Los Gatans aren't concerned--especially about development. But with a revision of the general plan in the works, the mood in the community seems to be philosophical. Surveys are being conducted; meetings are being held, and consultants are helping Los Gatans through a process that will help determine what they want for their community. We think it's just one of those periods of time when the climate's been good enough that people aren't stirred up about local politics. Still, one question must be asked: Did the candidacy of two incumbents for third terms discourage qualified candidates from jumping into the race? There's a reason the Registrar of Voters extends the filing deadline by a week if no incumbents enter the race. Running against incumbents is hard. When Steve Blanton entered the political scene eight years ago, he was dead- set against running for a third term, and he made a pledge that he wouldn't. Now, he's not only a third-term candidate, his fundraising machine is firmly in place. By the end of the first filing date, he had raised more than $13,000, considerably more than anyone else in the race, including incumbent Randy Attaway. Certainly more than a first-time candidate could raise in his or her wildest dreams. While incumbents bring with them valuable experience, it seems clear that the longer an elected official stays in office, the less likely new people will be encouraged to get involved. [ Back to Contents Page | Los Gatos Weekly-Times Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, October 21, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.