Saratoga News Letters Sincere thanks to all campaign supporters I would like to extend my sincere thanks to not only all those Saratoga residents who supported me with their votes, but also to the wonderful group of friends and neighbors who gave so generously of their time and encouragement during the campaign. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on your City Council, and I look forward to working cooperatively with Jim Shaw, Stan Bogosian and my fellow electees John Mehaffey and Nick Streit during the months ahead. Together, we will ensure that Saratoga remains the best place to live in the Santa Clara Valley. I also congratulate both Erna Jackman and Gillian Moran for their fine campaign efforts and their commitment to our city. Evan Baker Obrad Drive Gillian Moran ran a clean election race Gillian, you "have fought the good fight!" Thanks to Gillian Moran for her many years of service: her intelligent and well-prepared participation in city government and her constructive and inclusive approach in dealing with the citizens' concerns! Thanks for taking the high road: she ran a positive, clean and factual campaign! Thanks also to her supportive husband and children! Gabriele May Marilla Drive In defense of the so- called "kingmakers" With apologies to Lewis Carroll, the time has come to talk of many things; of "vicious and nasty attacks" and "hit pieces" and "kingmakers." There were several false accusations made toward the conclusion of the City Council campaign, when there was insufficient time for the voters to receive correct information. Those being accused of producing "vicious and nasty attacks" and "hit pieces" were, in fact, only quoting the candidates' own position statements and voting records! Browning asked, "Does truth sound bitter?" Some Saratogans were accused of being "kingmakers." Webster's Dictionary defines a kingmaker as "one who has great influence over the choice of candidates for political office." Clearly, that did not apply since all five candidates voluntarily ran for office. I submit that "preservationists" is the approbation that best describes those residents being accused of king-making. Why? Because they want to preserve our small enclave of relative peace and quiet, our beautiful hillsides and wooded areas, our low-density housing, our excellent schools, our youth and senior activities, lean city government and Saratoga's general plan; they want to reduce the noise and traffic that have invaded our town and attempt to preserve and improve our quality of life. One of the accusers wanted to know what "[the king-makers] expect as payback for their investment." The "payback" is the preservation of our community as a sanctuary for our sanity, a small enclave in Silicon Valley that provides all Saratogans the opportunity to restore our humanity. During recent years, it has been my privilege to meet and work with several of those Saratogans being falsely accused. From them, I have learned a great deal about what is required to preserve and protect Saratoga for us and our children and I am proud to support those goals. Marcia Fariss Saratoga Glen Place Quito Road has always shared the pain of 85 In response to Maurice Martin of Leonard Road ("Sharing the pain of Highway 85," Speak Out!, Nov. 4), I wish to inform him that I live on Quito Road and have for 39 years. The last thing Quito Road needs is one more car during commute traveling time. The people on Quito Road have been bearing the pain before and since Highway 85 was put in. Since Mr. Martin is not affected by Highway 85 and Saratoga Avenue, why is he raising a fuss? Ethel Glinka Quito Road Thanks to a LWV member for work The League of Women Voters of Los Gatos, Saratoga and Monte Sereno thanks Dorothea Bamford for her many years of service not only to Monte Sereno, but to the whole community. Dorothea Bamford not only served as a councilmember for 16 years and as mayor three times, but she was active on the Water Commission and with the Cities Association. One of her big projects was a post office in Monte Sereno City Hall, which has proven to be very popular. She enhanced Monte Sereno in so many ways, such as establishing heritage awareness, saving significant trees, maintaining the size of houses and properties, upgrading and training city staff and putting Monte Sereno on the map. She had Monte Sereno added to the League's title, supported Monte Sereno's participation with other surrounding communities, resulting in a fair and comprehensive Waste Management Program, Hillside Planning Program and other environmental programs. We have all benefited from her political savvy and enthusiasm for attacking a problem. Thank you, Dorothea, for your service. Pat Khan President , LWV for Los Gatos, Saratoga and Monte Sereno Thanks to all who turned out at polls I would like to thank the voters of Saratoga for their confidence in me, and for the marvelous turnout at the polls in an off-year. With all of the bad news politics has generated over the last year, I would not have blamed the voters for just saying "No" to everything! I would also like to offer a heartfelt thanks to the many people who supported me and volunteered their time and money for my campaign. I will do my best to provide fair representation for all Saratogans, and to earn the trust you have placed in my hands. Please do not hesitate to send email to me with any issues you may have. My email address is mehaf@gedanken.com. I truly do want to be your voice on the council! I would also like to congratulate Evan Baker and Nick Streit on their victories, and congratulate Erna Jackman and Gillian Moran for well-run campaigns. Thank you all for your civic spirit and willingness to serve. John Mehaffey Saratoga [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, November 18, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.