Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Council expected to name Linda Lubeck next mayor

Jan Hutchins will serve as vice mayor

At its Nov. 17 meeting, the Los Gatos Town Council was expected to name Linda Lubeck mayor and Jan Hutchins vice mayor.

Lubeck, who served this year as vice mayor, will take over mayoral duties in January, replacing Joanne Benjamin, who is completing her fourth nonconsecutive term as mayor.

Hutchins was elected to the council in November 1996.

Traditionally in Los Gatos, the vice mayor is expected to move into the mayor's chair the following year. Consequently, it is customary for the council to name someone who is not up for election in the following year as vice mayor. In 1998, three council seats--those of Benjamin, Randy Attaway and Steve Blanton--will be open.

Lubeck was elected to her second term in 1996.

Last year, for the first time, the council broke with its usual pattern and did not name then vice mayor Steve Blanton mayor, citing his opposition to Measure C, the ballot measure that would have imposed a utility-users tax on Los Gatans. The four other councilmembers strongly endorsed the ballot measure.

Although the mayor's vote carries the same weight as other councilmembers', it is the mayor who sets the council agenda and conducts the meetings. The mayor also is tapped for many ceremonial duties.

--Dale Bryant

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