Los Gatos Mayor Steve Rice, 52, has announced he will not seek re-election this coming November after his four-year term expires.
In an email letter he sent to his friends and supporters, Rice said he had decided against running after spending "countless hours" discussing the matter with wife Linda.
"Those of us in the arena sometimes forget the heavy toll public service can extract on those we love – the time away from our families is significant – and the uniqueness of our family situation makes that even more important," he wrote.
Rice explained his youngest son, 19, has autism, and while very bright and is a freshman at Santa Clara University, needs help with his learning disabilities and participation from him in his support structure. "I've left everything to my wife and I need to be able to help at home," he said.
Rice, elected to the Council in November of 2008, said the past four years "have been some of the most enjoyable and rewarding in my life. We have accomplished much, and there is more to come."
He said since he began serving his one-year appointment as mayor in late November of 2011, a position that's voted on by Council members, the town has opened the new Los Gatos Library and will soon open the new Creekside Sports Park and Pageant Grounds.
"My enthusiasm and love for Los Gatos have not changed. Over the past 30 years, I have found many ways to serve our town, and I look forward to finding new ones in the future," Rice wrote. "I cannot tell you how much your support has meant to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Los Gatos Planning Commission Chairwoman Marcia Jensen announced early this month she was entering the race for a seat on the Los Gatos Town Council this coming November.
Also, Los Gatos Vice Mayor Barbara Spector has announced her intention to seek a third term on the Council.
Rice, a financial planner, followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, John Lincoln, who served on the Council and as mayor in the 1960s.
Council critics often say Rice is part of a body majority that unites on certain issues such as development projects. The other two Council members believed to be part of this majority are Council members Diane McNutt and Joe Pirzynski.
