Once the mayoral and vice mayoral seats were declared open by City Clerk Cathleen Boyer, the city council voted unanimously to appoint Kline as mayor and Councilwoman Aileen Kao as vice mayor.

Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss then swore in Kline and Kao.

Kline, who grew up in San Jose and is a graduate of Santa Clara University, served on the planning commission for the city of Santa Clara before moving to Saratoga in 2000. He worked for Lockheed Martin and Apple Computer before starting his own software company, CASPR Inc., which produces web-based library automation services. His company headquarters are in Saratoga's downtown Village.

"When I came to Saratoga, I was interested in getting on the planning commission, but people suggested I just run for city council," he said. That suggestion led to a seat on the council in November 2002, and, in turn, to becoming the 29th person to serve as mayor.

Kline's first act as mayor was to thank King for guiding the city during the past year through "troubled waters." The council faced several contentious decisions during King's tenure as mayor. The sale of the North Campus property, development conflicts over the DeAnza Trail and Kevin Moran Park, and the decision to allow Starbucks Coffee to move into the Village were cited as tough and divisive issues.

Kline foresees smoother sailing ahead as Saratoga heads toward its 50th anniversary celebration of incorporation.

He hopes to use his software background to push for better utilization of the Internet in city affairs. Instead of having to come to city hall to fill out various forms for permits, such as for replacing a water heater, he would like to see city residents perform such tasks online.

Kline cited several problem areas he hoped could be resolved. "We cut services to the point where we are better off with the budget than last year," he said. "But maintenance and infrastructure issues remain."

He said revenue from the sale of the North Campus would go a long way toward replenishing the city's reserves and paying for one-time upgrades, such as remodeling the community center and repairing roads. He also hopes to re-energize the city's commissions, which he said are vital to producing the next generation of city leaders.

Kline said of particular concern was the $1 million deficit each year on road maintenance. "This is something we simply have to start talking about, and letting people know what's going on," he said.

One way the new mayor plans to let people know what's going on is through weekly morning talks over coffee at a local coffee shop. "It can be very intimidating to come down to city hall to talk, or speak in front of the council," he said. "Emails are often too quick." He plans to post on the city website a time and coffee shop where local residents can drop by for a morning chat. "People can have a cup of coffee with the mayor and talk about issues in an informal setting," he said. But, he said, don't expect that informal setting to be at Starbucks.

Kline said Saratogans could expect the city's 50th anniversary celebration to be a good one. "There's really a lot of stuff going on," he said. "It should be an exciting year."