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. . I . . . Mayor Pro Tem Ruskin said, "on behalf of the Mayor who is out of town tonight, the City Council and the people of Redwood City, Mr. Bain, I want to welcome you to the - City Council. It is an undertaking of great responsibility and I know that you will meet all the challenges of the job. You have exhibited in the past, a commitment to helping people and to helping the City, both with your work at Kainos and in your community, including as the Chair of the Housing and Human Concerns Committee. You've shown a strong commitment to the well-being of Redwood City. On behalf of the Council I would like to welcome you. We are glad you are here. There is a good deal to do and to learn, and I am sure you will catch on quickly. But, may I offer on behalf of all of us, any assistance at the beginning that you may need, we will all be happy to jump in. We thank you for being willing to jump in and fill this spot at this time. Is there anything you would like to say." Council Member Bain said, "Absolutely. Thank you very much, Mayor Pro Tern Ruskin. This is a great feeling. I am extremely excited to be here tonight.... I think it is appropriate to say that my experience on the Housing and Human Concerns Committee really prepared me for this. Serving three years on that Committee I got in the habit of studying large packets of information, and it really helped, going through (the Council packet) this weekend.... When I found out there was a possibility that I might be chosen to fill the seat on the Council I went back in my trash and started to see if I could find those little scraps of paper ITom my campaign to see if! could piece back together an acceptance speech.... I would like to thank former Councilwoman Judy Buchan for all the things she contributed to the City over the years. She contributed a lot of positive things to the community, especially in regard to her work to eliminate substandard housing, and replace it with - housing that is clean and affordable and safe. I want to let everyone here tonight know that I intend to see that that work is continued. I want to thank everyone who helped me on the campaign. I'm not going to go through the whole list. There are too many to list here tonight. Everybody who stuffed envelopes, made phone calls, knocked on doors, as you can see your vote does make a difference, and it was because of all your hard work that I am here tonight.... Your positive outlook and belief in the future of our City sustained me throughout the campaign. I would also like to thank the San Jose Mercury, the San Mateo County Times and the Redwood City Almanac, not only for endorsing me during the last campaign, but also for their fair, accurate and responsible coverage throughout the campaign." Council Member Bain thanked the people who helped him in his election campaign, and singled out three people for special thanks: Jackie Powell, his first campaign manager, treasurer, and graphic artist; his father, who was in the audience, who did a lot of leg work during the campaign, and instilled in Ian an interest in government and community service; and "finally, last but not least... the woman I love, Nancy Pratt. Nancy and I are getting married on May 2 and she was a tremendous support to me throughout the campaign and for years and years. She is an absolutely wonderful person, and I am very, very proud to have her in my life." Council Member Bain, said, "Redwood City is bursting at the seams with potential. In the next few years you will see several positive changes including beautification of our - major thoroughfares, and you will see a new invigorating life and energy in our downtown. I strongly believe that. These changes will take imagination and leadership, and I intend to REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 56 FEBRUARY 23, 1998 MINUTES Page No. 279 PAGE 2