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Kenneth R. Mercer, Pleasanton’s first directly elected mayor, died early this morning at ValleyCare Medical Center in Pleasanton. He was 71.
Mercer served on the City Council from 1976 to 1990, spending the last four years as the city’s directly elected mayor. During his City Council tenure, the city approved Stoneridge mall, Hacienda Business Park, major retail and automotive centers along I-580 as well as several apartment complexes. He also guided the community through the budget cuts that followed the 1978 passage of Proposition 13 that slashed property taxes.
His commitment to economic growth and vitality for the city grew out of the experience of having to lay off employees and shut off half of the street lights in the city.
He spent much of his working career as a manager with Pacific Bell. After retiring, he worked in the title insurance industry and then joined ValleyCare to lead its foundation for several years before retiring for the final time.
Arrangements for services are pending.

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Tim Hunt has written for publication in the LIvermore Valley for more than 55 years, spending 39 years with the Tri-Valley Herald. He grew up in Pleasanton and lives there with his wife of more than 50...

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  5. If you were lucky enough to know Ken Mercer you knew how much he cared about Pleasanton. This town would not be the same with out his leadership and knowledge. We can thank him for the sports park and business park just to name a few. What a great guy! Ken, Pleasanton will miss you! R.I.P.

  6. Ken was a great man. He was opinionated but his opinions were well thought out and were for the benefit of the community. I always respected him and truly liked him.

  7. Ken was a great guy, a good friend, and a person who was totally dedicated to the heritage and future of Pleasanton. He will be missed by this community. God Bless him!!

  8. Thank you Ken for all of your knowledge, support and warmth through-out the many years. You worked hard and just about made it all happen. It certainly was fun trying. Our citizens owe you a debt of gratitude for playing a major role in helping to make Pleasanton the great sustaining City it is today. You will truly be missed. May God Grant you Eternal Peace and Bless your Loving Family. Remembering You In My Prayers,
    Dorene

  9. I knew Ken and his family most of my life and when ever I would see him , he would have a smile and his signature laugh. I always smiled when I saw him and we would always talk about the good old days when he played on my Dad’s, Allied Brokers lob ball team at the Pleasanton school’s upper field (1st/Bernal) and All the good times that followed. Shelly and Chuck, The next cold one is on me. Your Father is a Great Man!

  10. Mayor Mercer played a significant role in helping make Pleasanton one of the truly wonderful cities in the Bay Area. He worked tirelessly for our business and residential communities, listened to people, made informed decisions, and found a way to smile through it all. He has my greatest respect.

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