"JON BAER and I share many values: we each strive to balance preserving what is cherished with desired changes.  Jon is extraordinarily insightful, and his ability to distill a complex issue into one memorable phrase will keep Council focused on what is truly important.  Jon has demonstrated his commitment to our community by volunteering his time in a variety of roles for over 10 years.  His five years on the Planning Commission, including two terms as Chair, will minimize the steep learning curve that those who haven't previously worked with the City encounter.  I'm delighted to endorse Jon for Los Altos City Council."
– Val Carpenter, 2012 Los Altos Mayor
Our family moved to Los Altos 15 years ago because it is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. My wife and I restored a city landmark and made it our home. Our children attended its outstanding public schools. As a community volunteer for over 10 years, I've demonstrated my leadership, integrity and openness.

Los Altos is changing; how that change happens matters. It requires being true to the cherished values of our community, finding solutions to help downtown evolve, while not allowing it to become just another suburban center. Maintaining the unique character of our neighborhoods, while paying attention to other important issues: balanced budgets, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, the needs of seniors.

My commitment: to be thoughtful, to listen, to inform stakeholders, to find solutions that reflect community values, and keep Los Altos the gem of the Peninsula. I respectfully ask for your support.

Priorities

  • Preserve character of Los Altos while increasing downtown vibrancy
  • Keep a tight rein on city budgets and expenditures
  • Make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists
  • Support neighborhood schools
  • Create a senior-friendly community
  • Develop a shared, common vision for downtown
  • Enhance communications between City and community

Why I'm running for Los Altos City Council

I have over a decade of service helping Los Altos since my family and I moved here 15 years ago. I recognize the challenges our community faces. I have seen firsthand the difficult tradeoffs that are made between keeping things the way they are and helping the city evolve as new residents and businesses come to town and our needs change. I have worked effectively with City staff and the City Council as well as the community to help effect changes while respecting the values and sensibilities that make Los Altos special.

My vision is to allow our city to grow and prosper while maintaining a family-friendly, community-oriented, small-town feeling. I want to see continued positive changes in Los Altos and I have the background and experience to make them happen.

My experience

I bring a wealth of experience, including my service on the Planning Commission for over 5 years, serving 4 years on the Neighborhood Traffic Advisory Task Force, my involvement in revising the downtown zoning and creating new downtown design guidelines. I have volunteered on the Los Altos High School Science and Technology Week Speaker Program and I'm a Trustee of the MVLA High School Foundation Endowment.

My Vision is to allow our city to grow and prosper while maintaining a family-friendly, community oriented,
small-town feeling.

As a successful entrepreneur, and currently an advisor to international startup companies, I can bring strong business and financial acumen to the Council. This background provides me with a keen understanding of the challenges businesses face----either businesses already in Los Altos, or new businesses considering a move to Los Altos.

Furthermore, my experience as a venture capital investor has honed my skills in evaluating a wide range of businesses. This will enable me to absorb City Council materials efficiently, listen to public comment and concerns, and make informed, balanced decisions.

My commitment

I aim to keep Los Altos the gem of the Peninsula - a warm, friendly, thriving community. I will listen and be thoughtful as I address the issues - both those known as well as those that will emerge.