"I'm very honored and privileged to be chosen here to be your mayor," Baxter said at the Dec. 3 council meeting. "I know this will be a wonderful year for Monte Sereno."

"I'm here to assist all of our citizens and the council in working with city staff," Baxter said. Baxter, who has been on the council for two years, added that he will make committee and commission appointments, as well as set a date for the council's goal-setting session, at the next council meeting.

"We're fortunate to have a city whose finances are in such great shape," Baxter said.

Baxter called previous mayor Jack Lucas a "tough act to follow."

Lucas, as outgoing mayor, made some final comments. Lucas said the city was on target to meet the five goals that the council had set in January, which included increasing pedestrian safety at Winchester Boulevard and Daves Avenue and implementing stricter enforcement of vehicle code violations throughout the city.

Lucas also reflected on his career as a Monte Sereno councilman.

"I've had a lot of fun in my 18 years—meeting people, facing challenges, seeing accomplishments," Lucas said. Lucas listed off his biggest accomplishments in the 18 years and gave advice to new councilmen Mark Brodsky and Curtis Wright.

"My challenge to the new council is to become involved," Lucas said. "Talk to your constituents, be proud of your convictions and, above all, have fun."

Outgoing councilwoman Suzanne Jackson, who had been on the council for eight years, also summed up her experience. Jackson said she was proud that the city addressed hillside safety and supported the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County.

"I look forward to continuing my involvement in an unofficial way," Jackson said.

Lucas' and Jackson's peers complimented them for their work on the council.

Garner said Jackson had taught him about getting involved in county affairs. "If you want to accomplish things on behalf of our city, you really need regional knowledge. You need a regional network," Garner said.

Garner also pointed to Lucas' tendency to knock on doors and follow up with residents about issues, which he called "so grass-roots."

"This is a gentleman who has redefined local politics in our city," Garner said.

"Your significant contributions are too numerous to mention," Baxter told Jackson and Lucas. "I'm certainly going to miss the experience and wisdom that both of you have brought to the council."

Baxter later said that he has two goals in mind for the coming year: improving pedestrian safety and refining the city's building process. The city's newly revamped site and architecture commission "is beginning to run and work pretty well but I'm interested in further improving the process for homeowners," Baxter said.

Baxter added, however, that more specific goals would have to wait until after he confers with the rest of the council. "With the new council members, we've got some fresh ideas and new perspectives that have to be included," Baxter said.

The new council members—Brodsky, Wright and the reelected Barbara Nesbet—were sworn in and took their places at the Dec. 3 meeting.