In a special meeting of the Town Council, Dec. 9, the reins of power were handed over from former mayor Matthew Hudes to Rob Moore, who, at 27, is the youngest Los Gatos mayor ever. (Brent Ventura was also 27 when he assumed the role—but was a few months older).
The mayoral position rotates every December, and it’s customary for the vice mayor to be promoted.
“The Los Gatos Town Council has focused on local issues and stayed above hyperartisanship,” outgoing mayor Hudes stated. “I’m grateful to my fellow Council members. You gave me the opportunity to serve and who constantly provide ideas and have helped guide me and give me feedback along the way. I love working with you.”
He added, “Finally, I want to thank my family. My wife Qui—who puts up with me jumping up from the table and skipping dinner to get to town meetings and who is a sounding board for me—for my ideas as well as my frustrations—and thank you to Colette and Simon, who are so important.”
Hudes added, “It is more than time for a young person to step forward and have a go at it.”
His nomination process was interrupted by applause from the overflowing crowd.
Hudes formally nominated Moore for mayor. This was then seconded by still-Councilmember Ristow—and approved unanimously.
Councilmember Rob Rennie was slated to become the vice mayor, but due to personal reasons he declined this position. Ristow was nominated and unanimously appointed to serve in the role instead.
Vice Mayor Ristow’s Council term will expire in December 2028.
Kylie Clark, Moore’s finance, did the honors of swearing-in both Moore Ristow as Vice Mayor. The overflow crowd gave them both a standing ovation.
Evidenced by the evening’s festivities, it’s clear Moore has tremendous support among town residents.
In his acceptance speech, Moore expressed, “I can not tell you how honored I am to see the chambers so full this evening. As I look around this room, I see a community that refuses to sit on the sidelines. And I feel your optimism, your energy, and your love for Los Gatos.”
He went on, “This is what participatory democracy looks like.”
In his acceptance speech, Moore promised to “be a mayor for all of Los Gatos—for every resident, every neighborhood and every perspective.”
He added, “In addition to the essential responsibilities of every mayor—ensuring public safety and managing our finances—I will focus on the following key priorities: 1. Housing. 2. Youth, seniors and families. 3. Street safety and traffic. 4. Preparedness. And 5., Community vitality.”
Thunderous applause concluded the evening.
