"Several residents took issue with the change in the mayoral rotation policy, saying that the original rotation policy allowed for a predictable transition of power. Mona Kaur-Freedland wrote in an email to the council that Councilmember Rishi Kumar was bypassed in 2019, even though he was next in line to become mayor, which led to the break in tradition. In 2020 the council elected Councilmember Yan Zhao and Walia mayor and vice mayor, respectively, out of rotation."
"The city has had a mayoral rotation policy since 2010. In July 2025, the council amended the policy so that the top two vote-earners in each election are considered to be in the queue for mayor and vice mayor. However, the amendment went on to state that no councilmember has the right to serve in either position. Saratoga cancelled elections in 2024 after incumbents Kookie Fitzsimmons and Walia ran unopposed."
"This city is not like other cities where you've got a strong mayor that controls everything; we're not like that. We're a city of loving, caring people who want to do more for our city. "Get to know the people in your neighborhood," Page advised residents. "Bond together. Learn how to like your neighbors.""
Vice Mayor Chuck Page was promoted to mayor and Councilmember Tina Walia was elected vice mayor during the Dec. 3 council meeting, with Page receiving unanimous council support. The city has maintained a mayoral rotation policy since 2010 and amended it in July 2025 to place the top two vote-earners in the queue for mayor and vice mayor while clarifying that no councilmember has an automatic right to those positions. The change and past deviations from rotation prompted resident concern about predictable succession and the influence of personal politics. Page urged neighborly connection and community bonding.
Read at The Mercury News
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