Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Candidates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Candidates for Monte Sereno council highlight fire safety, housing, accessibility and fiscal restraint
Summary
Four candidates interviewed June 27 emphasized wildfire safety, community engagement, housing pressures and fiscal prudence. Candidates described past commission work and proposed priorities if appointed.
The Monte Sereno City Council heard from four finalists for a vacant council seat on June 27. Each candidate answered the same set of rotation questions and highlighted different priorities.
Michael Rufez said he has lived in the area for more than 40 years and has nearly 50 years of experience as a professional appraiser; he emphasized community ties and a veterans memorial as a priority. "I've been living in the city for over 40 years," he said during his interview.
Lon Allen and other candidates consistently cited fire safety as their top concern. Allen told the council his number one goal over the next 18 months would be to focus on wildfire and evacuation planning. Bob emphasized walkability and fiscal accountability, describing work on safe routes to school and street improvements. Candidate Arushi stressed climate-proofing neighborhoods, housing trade-offs, and opening more avenues for resident engagement.
Across the interviews, candidates described prior service on local commissions or advisory boards, interest in serving on external regional boards if appointed, and willingness to participate in training such as Leadership Los Gatos. Several said they would consider running for the seat in the next election if appointed.
The interviews informed the council’s decision later that night to appoint Lon Allen.
