Los Gatos Weekly-Times

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Wasserman hoping voters say 'We like Mike' again in 2006

By Jason Sweeney

This is the third in a series of five profiles of the Los Gatos Town Council 2006 candidates. The order of candidates profiled was chosen at random. --Editor

Mike Wasserman likes Los Gatos. And if the number of "We like Mike" signs, magnetic car stickers and T-shirts around town are anything to go by, a lot of people in Los Gatos like Mike Wasserman.

Wasserman has lived in town for more 30 years and has two teenagers in local schools. The certified financial planner, registered tax preparer, former baseball card shop owner and youth sports team coach is hoping Los Gatos residents re-elect him for another four years on the Los Gatos Town Council.

What is his motivation for seeking re-election? "I love my family, my town and what I'm doing. I love helping Los Gatos. It's that simple. I think the public approves of the job I'm doing and supports my re-election--and my wife agreed to let me do it again."

Since Labor Day, Wasserman has been walking around town, knocking on doors, installing campaign signs and talking to people. So far, he says, his campaign is all good. "When things are all good, my energy is just limitless. This election is just fun."

The first time around, Wasserman went door to door not knowing what to expect. "Four years ago, I was an unknown promising to help my community in various ways. Now I'm a known entity with a proven track record, having earned the confidence of the community. I don't have an agenda. What I have is a desire to continue doing good, make fair decisions and improve our community."

Being a known entity has its advantages. In his first campaign four years ago, Wasserman had to convince local residents to place his campaign signs in their lawns. "This year, when I announced I was running, I got 135 emails asking for lawn signs."

Local residents have come by the Wasserman household to pick up a "We like Mike" package. At a recent Los Gatos High School football game, Wasserman saw people wearing his T-shirts and cars in the parking lot displaying his campaign stickers. He appreciates the show of support. "It's very flattering," he said. "I think my four years of hard work have shown that I've proven myself. I think the community is responding by showing their support for me."

During his first election campaign, an older Los Gatos resident gave Wasserman a bit of advice. "The older gentleman said, 'No matter how thin you make a pancake, there are always two sides.' "

When complex issues come before the council, Wasserman said he tries to remember that advice before casting his vote. "I make sure to be informed, make a fair and lawful decision, and always be aware that there are two sides to every pancake."

Wasserman lists a number of achievements and projects he worked on. They include the formation of the youth commission, the completion of the Los Gatos High School community pool, the start of Jazz on the Plazz, neighborhood town hall meetings, increased soccer field availability, keeping the library open seven days a week, finalizing the hillside guidelines, providing free community buses and honoring Los Gatos residents serving in the military.

"During the last couple years, we've stressed public safety and increased our relationship with the police department," he added. But the achievement he is most proud of is the formation of the Community Unity program. Wasserman initiated the program, which has pulled together different community organizations to work for the good of the town. The program received a 2006 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence from the League of California Cities.

What does he expect to accomplish if he is re-elected? "If I look back over the last four years, most of the things we did accomplish were not even on the drawing board. It's my expectation to continue doing many more good things during the next four years."

Wasserman said a priority would be to continue the financial stability of the town while attempting to maintain the high level of services Los Gatos residents expect. "Every year, we've had a balanced budget. We've lived within our means, and we've continued to provide a high level of service. It's an annual challenge that every municipality faces. I'm proud to have successfully met that challenge each of the last four years.

"This is my hometown," Wasserman said. "I believe I've done a very good job. I'm looking forward to four more years of the same."