Pleasanton and all its residents are fortunate to have so many outstanding individuals who volunteer countless hours of service to our community.  At 7pm this evening in the Council Chambers, we all have the chance to acknowledge the service of four dedicated volunteer community leaders who serve at the highest levels locally:  Cheryl Cook-Kallio, Jerry Thorne, Kathy Narum and Arne Olson. 

Cheryl Cook-Kallio

First, Cheryl Cook-Kallio steps down tonight after eight years of tireless service on the City Council.  Forever I will value Cheryl's work ethic and thoughtful, consistent regard for the best interests of the total community. Here's a link to last Friday's excellent Pleasanton Weekly editorial summarizing her many years of successful service. 

Second, we'll witness Mayor Jerry Thorne and Council member Kathy Narum take the oath of office for a second term in their respective elected positions, and we'll witness Arne Olson take the oath of office as Pleasanton's newest policy maker.  After eight years serving on the Planning Commission, Olson will assume the seat vacated by Cook-Kallio.

Arne Olson

Along with continuing Council members Karla Brown and Jerry Pentin these five, as previous Councils have done, will log countless hours digesting staff reports, attending meetings, speaking and corresponding with constituents, participating in events both in Pleasanton and beyond in order to do the best they can for our City. The sacrifice these community leaders have, and will continue to make is enormous, and regardless of one's politics they deserve our gratitude.

Hope to see you tonight at city hall.