For the trio who ran under a slate and swept the election—current Mayor Nick Streit, Kathleen King and Norman Kline—this next month finds them preparing for their terms in office. Meanwhile, candidates Neil Malhotra, Andrew Barnes and Shelley Williams must decide whether to continue their involvement in politics post-election.

As current mayor, Streit has plans to move the council forward in the same direction it's been headed without slowing down—aside from a planned annual family trip to Disneyland this week.

Streit identifies an increased emphasis on services to children as one main theme that has evolved among council members over the past four years, with projects including the rebuilding of Congress Springs and an effort to replace all the playgrounds in the city. And as the two newly elected council members both have young children themselves, he believes this focus on children will continue.

As the only candidate returning to office, Streit's advice to King and Kline is to embark on the job without an agenda.

"Just be honest and open with everybody," he advised. "Treat everyone with respect. As long as you keep an open mind and use good business judgment, the citizens won't necessarily agree with you, but they'll appreciate your honesty and integrity."

Applying good business skills is one thing King, who holds a degree in marketing, hopes to contribute to the council.

King met with the city manager and economic development coordinator just one day after the election. She'll focus her efforts this month on getting to know the city staff and apprising herself of issues facing Saratoga, particularly what's been going on with the fire district, she said.

In addition to her new role as a councilwoman, King is determined to continue chairing the Silicon Valley Children's Hospital Foundation and volunteering a few hours each week at her children's school in addition to being a full-time mom to several boys.

"If you want to get something done, ask a busy person," said King, who credited her ability to juggle a busy schedule to support from family and friends. "My kids are pretty used to my social and civic involvement, and they actually benefit from it."

But her election to city council does not come without a price. With the number of night meetings she must now attend doubled, King said she will have less time to spend with her children in the evening and that they must plan on getting more homework done on weekends.

In regards to specific responsibilities on the council, King is open to discussion with the other council members, though she identified an interest in working on issues dealing with kids and senior citizens.

Like his fellow slate member, Kline was already at work preparing for his new role the day after election, reading through city council codes. Kline, who owns a software company and works two minutes away from home, said the flexibility of his work conditions allow him to make time for the added duties of an elected official.

Though he already has a couple issues he would like to address while on council, he said he is not yet prepared to reveal his plans.

As the three elected candidates prepare for office, Barnes, the 55-year-old retired airline pilot, has early plans of his own to stay politically active in the community. After speaking to his campaign manager, Barnes is considering revitalizing the Good Government Group, an organization of Saratoga residents who monitor the civic affairs and practices of its government.

"I enjoyed the political thing. I still look to oversee the community," said Barnes, who wants to work on getting home loans for city employees and schoolteachers.

"I still will work within the community and hopefully will get to be better known," said Barnes, who plans to run for office again in 2004.

Williams, too, said he is anxious to serve the community, citing his many years of involvement in real estate in Saratoga. In addition to continuing his practice, Williams looks forward to visiting New Orleans and additional travels, and to a family reunion in May. He said he and wife Barbara will also return to playing golf at the country club.

"We missed that for the last couple of months due to the campaign," he said.

Malhotra, the 21-year-old Yale graduate who works as a corporate finance analyst for the investment banking firm Goldman Sachs, could not be reached for further comments.