Garner and Baxter were unanimously reappointed to the council on Aug. 17 for their second four-year terms. Their names won't appear on the November ballot because they ran unopposed. Baxter said he was both pleased and surprised no one chose to run against them.

"It's good for me as a candidate and a council member, because it makes for an easy campaign season," said Baxter, adding he's still hoping to encourage more citizens to become involved in the city in the future.

Baxter stressed the importance of a democracy, where people have choices and where voting is viewed as an important civic duty. Since the city's term limits restrict council members to no more than two consecutive four-year terms, the two elected officials are planning to make the most of their remaining time in office. They must wait two years after they have been "termed out" before they can rerun for council.

"The last four years have been delightful," Garner said. "It's interesting. It's fun. It feels productive. But I've got four more years of work to do."

Garner said the fact that nobody ran against them is "a statement about both the performance of Dave and me. I think people are satisfied we've done a good job."

Garner feels as if he's made a difference in public and traffic safety, protecting the city's zoning and character in the process. He and Baxter both mentioned accomplishments of the council including continued financial prudence, especially in a state facing fiscal crisis.

The majority of Monte Sereno's operating revenue comes from equity allocation from the state, and licenses and permits. Only 3 percent of the city's revenue comes from property taxes. Baxter said it's surprising that so much of the taxes collected in Monte Sereno doesn't go back to the city. Yet, Monte Sereno continues to operate with a surplus budget, Garner said, reflecting the city's careful spending habits and continuation to "tighten our belts."

Baxter has been happy to see improvements to the traffic situation near Daves Avenue School, including the installation of a sidewalk along Poppy Lane, a crosswalk at the intersection of Bruce Avenue and Poppy Lane and the realignment of a crosswalk at Poppy Lane and Daves Avenue.

"The council and the neighbors were able to reach some very good conclusions," said Baxter, later adding, "When there's a controversial issue, you are going to have an outcome that works for some people and doesn't for others. I always try to look for the solution or compromise of both."

As for areas on the top of his agenda, Garner is hoping to speed up the California Department of Transportation's progress to improve Highway 9.

"The process has been too slow for my taste," said Garner.

Garner would like to develop an overall safer Highway 9 and Winchester Boulevard. Baxter stressed the value of citizens who have taken initiative on Highway 9 safety, making a positive and meaningful impact. Garner said he'll also be pushing overall public safety and preventive measures citizens can take to stay secure.

In addition, Garner would like to continue work on Monte Sereno's community involvement. With a new cultural commission being formed, Garner hopes to start up other commissions such as those focused on youth, safety and service. The new cultural commission will be responsible for organizing community events, such as performing and fine arts activities, colon cancer outreach and the city's annual picnic. Garner said he'd also like the cultural commission to generate awareness about the period when John Steinbeck lived in Monte Sereno.

"The cultural commission could help out with cultural history and historic preservation," Garner said. "I don't think we'll have any problem filling the commission."

When asked why he is looking forward to serving another four years, Garner said he's hoping to continue to learn about the community, meet people both inside and out of its borders and represent Monte Sereno at local events and by serving on various boards and committees.