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Attorney Bill Ross was drawn in to the City Council race by the proposed cutbacks of staffing at Fire Station 8.

Now, his motivation stems from his appreciation of Palo Alto.

"It's an incredible place to live," Ross said.

The College Terrace resident first came to Palo Alto to attend Stanford University but returned in the late 1980s.

A lawyer for more than 30 years, Ross is quick to cite laws or procedures he has encountered in his private practice representing cities, fire districts, and interests supporting and opposing development across California.

From 2000 to 2005, Ross served on the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, a 27-member state body that regulates projects affecting the Bay. He was also a member of the State Commission on Local Governance for the 21st Century.

He cites that as excellent preparation to serve on the Palo Alto City Council.

Ross isn't well-known in the city's political circles, though, and provided few Palo Alto-specific answers during the two League of Women Voters forums last week.

But Ross has demonstrated his concern for the community by taking the time to submit several letters as an independent lawyer. He commented on the environmental report for Stanford's permit, the need for traffic controls in College Terrace, the need for an emergency plan and the staffing of Fire Station 8.

If elected, Ross said he would work to create a business-license tax, to help the city track businesses — not to raise revenue.

Rather than asking voters to approve bonds or additional user fees, Ross said he would like to explore other ways of financing needed improvements.

He would like to explore selling extra resources such as water through the Utility Department, and he supports the additional use of solar panels.

Ross said he has ideas of new conditions — such as landscaping and greenhouse-gas regulation — the city can impose to make developments less harmful to the environment.

But he'd treat Stanford University, which is proposing major expansion to its medical center, the same as a "dry cleaner," Ross said at a public forum, predicting he would be quoted on the statement.

Ross said he would work to ensure all revenues intended for Palo Alto are collected. He also supports using expert volunteers for city business, rather than first hiring outside consultants.

He has called for an earlier end to council meetings.

Ross is proud that he supported himself to get through law school at Santa Clara University.

And he's rarely found without his golden retriever, Montana, a pup who seldom barks and "has no idea of her dogness."

He said he is focusing a lot of energy on the race.

"I think I can serve the interests of Palo Alto well," he said.

Birth place: Iowa

Profession: Attorney, Law Offices of William Ross

Affiliation with Stanford University or other major conflicts: No

Currently reading: "Ines of My Soul" by Isabel Allende

Favorite food: His wife's risotto

Vehicle: An old green BMW

For fun: Skiing, walking half-marathons, biking and attending the NCAA wrestling championships every year

Web site: None

How to contact: 650-843-8080