Patricia Mahan, For Mayor of the Cityof Santa Clara

By Patricia M. "Patty" Mahan

Issues and Answers for Santa Clara

A: Serving as leader to the city, the mayor must be accessible, listen to all constituents, and respond to the needs of our community. I have always, and will continue, to advance Santa Clara's best interests. As mayor, I will work to keep Santa Clara livable, workable, and affordable.

Q: What qualifies Patricia Mahan as Mayor?

A: I have served the public for more than 19 years: • 8 years as Councilmember • 7 years as Trustee of West Valley-Mission Community College • 4 years as city commissioner and legal hearing officer for the county

I am a third generation resident of our All- America City and a graduate from local schools. I earned a B.A. in English and communication from San Jose State and my J.D. from Santa Clara University. I have maintained my small business locally for 22 years.

I have volunteered for service to many community organizations, including the Bill Wilson Center, Lions' Blind Center, Soroptimist International, Santa Clara Women's League, the University Catala Club, Sister Cities, and I do pro bono work for survivors of domestic violence.

Q: What are your accomplishments in office?

A: I have dedicated my time and energy to the issues that concern Santa Clarans: • Expanding our public power system and keeping our utility rates the lowest of any city • Building police and fire stations, libraries, senior fitness center, youth soccer park, teen center • Promoting our history, culture and diversity • Protecting and improving our neighborhoods • Managing precious environmental resources, recycling water, improving air quality, adding to our parks and open space

Q: What are your priorities as Mayor in the next 4 years?

A: Our greatest challenge is to react to the sudden change in the economy, so we will continue to provide excellent service while balancing our budget.

We need to reinforce public security, making sure our public safety officers, police, fire, and dispatchers, are given the best training and equipment. To me, public safety is always Job One.

We must protect our established neighborhoods while building new ones, making sure that growth in balanced and compatible. Santa Clara is a great place to live and I will do everything I can to keep it that