I’ve been attending Monte Sereno City Council meetings for 20 years. Initially, the meetings were friendly and easy-going, reflecting Monte Sereno’s small town character. Over time, however, the Council meetings often became contentious, as residents and officials debated everything from fences to multi-family housing.
In the past year, I’ve also watched as our city has lost many of its long-time valued employees and I fear our City Council has lost its way.
I was particularly dismayed when my City Council opponent, Rowena Turner, voted with two other City Council members this past February to oust then-Mayor Curtis Rogers in what amounted to an unwarranted coup d’etat.
As the Mercury News stated in this Dec. 20, 2019 editorial, Monte Sereno needs to clean up its act, our city leaders voted to remove “a hard-working, experienced council member, as mayor.”
On Sept. 1, 2020 I listened to my City Council opponent, Daniel Labouve*, belittle our City Manager, City Attorney and then resign. His final remarks were disparaging to the other four City Council Members.
Is that how we want our City Council members to act?
I believe the city needs a new direction and electing me will bring transparency, accountability and stability to Monte Sereno.
*Although Mr. Labouve’s name is on the Nov. 3 ballot, he resigned his appointment to City Council on Sept. 1, 2020 and his house is for sale. Even if he’s elected, Mr. Labouve would not be able to serve if he moves out of the city.