The Los Gatos Town Council unanimously voted to appoint Matthew Hudes as mayor and Rob Moore and vice mayor during a special meeting on Dec. 10.
Hudes is taking on the position of mayor after a year spent as vice mayor, and Moore was promoted to vice mayor after having served as a council member for about two years. The newly minted officials, along with the rest of the council, thanked outgoing mayor Mary Badame for her service to the town, noting her leadership in hiring new town manager Chris Constantin and getting state approval for the town’s housing element.
“It’s rare to work with someone who is so disciplined and focused, and also someone who can say that they grew up in our town,” Hudes said. “Although Mary has another two years of her current term, I want to acknowledge her contribution now.”
Hudes said his priorities as mayor will include improving services for older adults and the development of a new community center, along with wildfire and traffic safety, beach traffic and historic preservation.
“In order to achieve any of these wonderful goals, the town has to have a solid foundation, and I will continue to position the town for the future by working toward financial stability and transparency,” he said.
The new mayor and vice mayor have often found themselves on opposite sides of votes on controversial matters like housing, but in nominating Moore, Hudes said he “inspires me to remember my ideals and beliefs, and to consider sides of issues that I hadn’t thought about.”
“Serving with our new mayor, I think we will provide the same love for Los Gatos,” Moore said, “and, I hope, provide a genuine balance, because I think we both care a lot.”
Hudes was also reappointed to the town council at the meeting, along with council member Maria Ristow. Both their current terms are set to end this year, and the council voted in August to cancel the election and appoint them to their seats since they were unopposed in the Nov. 5 election.
Other officials, including former mayors Marico Sayoc and Sandy Decker, were in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony, and Hudes called on Decker to administer the oath for both him and Moore. A handful of members of the public spoke in support of both men.
“I want to thank the town council for fostering the opportunities for Rob’s leadership to grow here,” resident Stephanie Brown said. “I ask the community to please support him as he continues to do the right thing for the community and lead us into light.”
Badame thanked her fellow council members, town staff and the public, saying she was “a better person” for knowing them during her time as mayor. Town manager Chris Constantin presented Badame with a plaque from town staff in appreciation for the year she served as mayor. Her comments were met with cheers from the audience and a standing ovation.
“It’s been a privilege, an absolute privilege to serve as your mayor,” she said, appearing emotional. “Thank you for the honor.”