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Commentary
City Manager writes one last letter to Mayor Shaw
Saratoga City Manager Larry I. Perlin read this letter to Mayor Jim Shaw at Shaw's memorial service, held at St. Andrew's Episcopal church on Aug. 6. Several readers asked us to print it.--Editor
When I was asked by Jim Shaw's family to speak at his memorial service on behalf of the city staff, I said, "Of course." How could I not?
However, I didn't realize how difficult it would be for me to put into words the thoughts and feelings I would want to express. Finally, the night before the service, while at home, it occurred to me that I should simply do what Jim had asked me to do so many times before--put it in writing. And so on Friday morning, when I arrived at my office at City Hall, I composed the following letter, my final letter, to Mayor Jim Shaw:
Dear Jim:
Like so many times before over the past year, I find myself sitting at my computer writing a note or letter to you. Only this time, you will not receive this letter and hear what I have to say, and that is truly sad.
Last year the city staff grieved over the loss of Deborah Larson, who, in so many ways like you, captured a special and lasting place in our hearts and minds. And while it was a long and difficult healing process to overcome her death, I'm afraid that it will not compare to the sense of loss we feel and the mourning we must all go through to overcome your departure.
It seems like such a short time ago that I had the honor and the privilege to swear you in as Saratoga's 25th mayor. Shortly before then, you and I had several conversations about whether you thought you were up to the task of remaining on the City Council and serving as this city's highest elected official.
When you finally made your decision to remain on the council and to accept the challenges of serving as mayor, I never doubted for an instant that you had made the correct decision. You were the right man in the right place at the right time.
You will no doubt be remembered as a City Councilman and mayor who served with dignity and honor. You not only practiced, but mastered, what I like to refer to as the art of gentlemanly politics, a style that so many who enter public life try to achieve, but for one reason or another, simply cannot.
And yet you not only achieved it, you made it look effortless. You made it a point never to lose your temper or get overly emotional about the issues which came before you, and you always conducted yourself gracefully whether you wound up on the winning or losing end of a vote. However, I think what I admired most about you, Jim, is that you always voted your conscience, keeping in mind what would be best for Saratoga regardless of whether it was the politically correct thing to do.
As for the effect of your passing on the city staff, we don't just lose our mayor, we lose a dear friend. You made it a point to become personally acquainted with the entire staff on a first-name basis, something I suspect few mayors these days could say they have done. For that, I thank you.
As for me personally, I will forever fondly remember the special relationship we forged, refreshing, but oftentimes inspirational in allowing me to do my job to the best of my ability. Often you would advise me, "Larry, don't chew your cabbage twice." If I have one regret, it was never asking, "For God's sake, Jim, what the hell does that mean?" I don't even eat cabbage!
Saratoga is a better community today, Jim, because you chose to get involved. Even though your term on the council ended prematurely, your legacy will long be remembered, and the Saratoga of tomorrow will continue to be the special community that it is today and about which you cared so much.
For some reason, Jim, I just know that from time to time you will be checking in on us from your final resting place above the Village. Let me assure you that whenever you do, you will be pleased with what you see, and we will know that you are forever smiling upon us just as we will always remember you.
Thank you, Jim. God rest your soul.
Larry I. Perlin,
City Manager
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
