Sea change in Burlingame politics

However, Galligan is not without his detractors. His no-nonsense style rubbed some people the wrong way and he always found a way to get back at people he felt had wronged him. In recent years, there has been a growing backlash in the city against him by members of a citizens' group, the Citizens for a Better Burlingame. However, there are still people in the city who support Galligan and agree with his stances on Bayfront development, the redevelopment of the downtown Safeway and how the city's finances should be calculated. Many liked the way he refused to be bullied.

For years, Galligan enjoyed the council majority with allies Mike Coffey and Mary Janney often voting with him.

After Janney's loss to Terry Nagel in 2003, some power shifted to Councilwoman Rosalie O'Mahony who had Coffey's and Galligan's votes on certain issues regarding the city's finances and Nagel's and Cathy Baylock's votes on planning issues like the Safeway redevelopment and Bayfront housing. Both plans were rejected.

With Coffey departing for personal reasons in July and the potential for an additional power shift after this election, Galligan's support on the council seemed to be dwindling. This election promised to be extremely messy.

By stepping down now, Galligan will avoid another round of mud slinging and the possibility of an embarrassing loss. As Galligan aptly states, the city is in good hands with City Manager Jim Nantell leading a group of professional and skilled department heads.

Galligan's decision to endorse Dan Andersen, of the Citizens for a Better Burlingame, in his quest for a City Council seat shows he is willing to support those who think differently than him, but who are also fair and respectful.

Galligan leaving the council marks a true sea change in city politics. How the city manages the new dynamic will be interesting. Will it bring a breath of fresh air? Or a batch of poor decisions encouraged by the chatter of a small but increasingly powerful citizens' group?

While Galligan emphasizes his decision was purely based on the desire to spend more time with his family, he is likely tired of the relentless criticism and constant battles. It is clear that politics in Burlingame has been more divisive than it should be in recent years - the jury is still out as to who is to blame.

Now, the city and its citizens will have an opportunity to see what the City Council is like without Galligan. Will it be better or worse? Only time will tell.