For decades, Los Altos was an unassuming bedroom community where the idea of change was met with scorn. Then the housing mandates came in, and cities across the state, including Los Altos, had to accept high-density, multifamily housing as a new way of life.
With its low crime and good schools, the city remains a great place to raise a family. It is changing, however. Whether it changes for the better or worse is up to our choices in leaders.
Fortunately, voters have good choices among the five candidates competing for for three Los Altos City Council seats in the Nov. 5 election. Two are incumbents with a proven track record. The challengers have all served on city commissions.
We found four of the five to be strong candidates. But ultimately, incumbents Jonathan Weinberg, Sally Meadows and challenger Ibrahim Bashir proved our top three choices.
It was a difficult choice among members of our editorial board. We were impressed with Larry Lang. He has a strong management background and an emphasis on listening and collaboration. But we were compelled to go with Bashir because he is among the wave of new residents with young families settling in town, families whose interests need empathy and representation.
Bashir, born in Saudi Arabia to parents from Pakistan, grew up in Saudi Arabia before finding success here. He cherishes the freedoms here that we take for granted. He has the smarts, wisdom, passion and drive necessary to help the council and city in its challenges ahead. We find the criticism levied against Bashir – excessive fundraising and spotty Library Commission attendance – to be unsubstantial. Bashir is the real deal.
Weinberg and Meadows have both distinguished themselves well during their four years on the council. Both presided over improvements in the city budget and preserved single-family zoning while complying with the state’s housing element demands. Meadows’ wisdom and humor have provided clarity and insight into the most obtuse policy discussions. Weinberg, although seemingly rushed at times (he’s raising a family while pursuing a busy career), is serious about being responsive to residents. He’s championed environmental progress and a new police station to help officers better do their jobs.
Vote Bashir, Meadows and Weinberg on Nov. 5.
