Woodside taps Goeld for second term as mayor Woodside taps Goeld for second term as mayor (January 12, 2005)

By Andrea Gemmet

Almanac Staff Writer

As in many Peninsula towns, the mayor of Woodside is a ceremonial position that rotates annually among Town Council members. Mayors preside over council meetings, sign official town letters and attend the occasional ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Woodside council bucked tradition by passing over Mayor Pro Tem Joe Putnam and tapping Mayor Paul Goeld for a repeat performance in 2005.

Mr. Goeld was visibly surprised by his nomination by Councilwoman Carroll Ann Hodges at the December 14 council meeting to keep the position in 2005.

"I'm flattered, thank you," Mr. Goeld said jocularly. "Other nominees?"

Smile fading, he scanned the faces of the other six council members. "Seriously -- there are no other (nominations)?"

None were forthcoming, and he was unanimously endorsed for a second term as mayor.

"Now I can tear up my farewell speech," he said, his good humor restored.

Former Mayor Susan Crocker, who spoke at the meeting, said the town has benefited from Mr. Goeld's evenhandedness and sense of fairness.

In choosing the mayor pro tem for 2005, the issue of the town's voluntary code of ethics was broached by Ms. Crocker and Bob Page, a member of the Woodside Bicycle Committee.

"I think any nominee for a leadership position ought to fully support the town code of conduct and ethics," Mr. Page said.

Mr. Putnam was criticized in February 2002 for participating in the council's decision on an appeal over the regulation of events at the San Mateo County Mounted Patrol grounds. Mr. Putnam is a longtime member of the private, all-male equestrian club.

While no legal conflict of interest existed, some council members and Woodsiders criticized him, saying he should have recused himself to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest.

As a result, Woodside's voluntary code of ethics for town officials and volunteers was revised to clarify several issues, including avoiding the appearance of a conflict of interest between public duties and personal interests and activities.

Mr. Putnam publicly pledged at the meeting to support and abide by the code of ethics.

"I decided this a long time ago -- it doesn't make any difference if I'm the mayor pro tem or not -- if an issue ever comes up again on the Mounted Patrol, I'll recuse myself, period. No ifs, ands, or buts," he said.

Councilwoman Deborah Gordon was chosen to serve as mayor pro tem on a 6-0-1 vote, with Councilman Pete Sinclair abstaining. Mr. Putnam was also nominated, by Mr. Sinclair, but he cast the decisive fourth vote for Ms. Gordon, assuring her the position.

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