By Khalida Sarwari
Emily Lo, who has spent the last three years on the Saratoga City Council, will enter her fourth as the city’s new mayor.
On Dec. 4, after Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith administered the oath to Lo at a special ceremony, she was met by the other members of the council and her family and friends on stage with hugs, handshakes and bouquets of flowers that spilled out of her arms.
“First of all, a big ‘thank you’ to all of you who have braved the cold weather to come out tonight,” said Lo, 57. “I’m very honored by your presence.”
She went on to acknowledge her fellow council members for giving her the opportunity to step up and lead.
“In 2014, we will move forward to the next phase of several important capital improvement projects,” Lo said, listing among them the Prospect Road median, the Quito Bridge, Quarry Park and streetscape improvements in downtown Saratoga. “These projects help to improve public safety, promote business vitality and enrich the recreational experience in our city.”
Howard Miller was selected as vice mayor and was joined on stage by his wife and daughter for the oath. He kept his comments brief, saying that he looked forward to serving in his new capacity.
“We do have the best city in America,” Miller said. “That’s why we’re all here. And I think it’s only going to get better in the next year.”
Lo’s colleagues praised her for her work ethic, saying that they looked forward to seeing her in a leadership position.
“I really appreciate the fact that you took the time and effort and always have given it your all, 100 percent of the time every meeting to be prepared,” Councilman Manny Cappello said. “I know that the city is in good hands; the council’s in good hands.”
Outgoing Mayor Jill Hunter noted that Lo has been at her side all year long. The two met nearly every other Thursday to prepare for upcoming council meetings.
“You and I are friends besides being fellow council members, and we will continue that,” Hunter said. “I really appreciate your input and your insight and your good humor.”
Hunter, who will remain on the council, said she was honored to serve a city where she has resided with her family for almost 32 years.
“Thank you very, very much for everything and thank you for this opportunity, because I wouldn’t have traded it for the world and I’ve just loved every moment of it,” she said.
Some of the dignitaries on hand for the ceremony included former Campbell Mayor Evan Low, new Cupertino Mayor Gilbert Wong, West Valley College board of trustees members Chad Walsh and Jack Lucas and Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Capt. Kenneth Binder.
