League of Women Voters of California
Stanislaus County, CA November 4, 2003 Election
	Jim Ridenour Answers Questions Candidate for Mayor; City of Modesto

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. In times of tight budgets, what can the City of Modesto do to reduce expenses?

City executives and top management should be awarded minimal pay increases and no increases in level of benefits. Collective bargaining units should be awarded pay and benefits in accordance with contractual agreements.

All unnecessary travel, meal and entertainment expenditures should be eliminated for city management and elected officials.

Use of consultants, temporary workers and contract staff should be evaluated.

2. What specific steps should the City take to assure that there will be an adequate inventory of affordable housing?

The City needs to make sure it is, 1) receiving all of the state and federal funding for which it is eligible and 2) allowing businesses to provide afforadable housing yet still make a profit. With that as our foundation, we then need to form partnerships with other government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses and community members to maximize use of our funding, land and other resources.

3. In light of recent events, should there be changes in the credit card policy? If so, what? Be specific.

Only city employees, not elected officials, should be issued credit cards. Those cards should have a reasonable spending limit, used only for city business and audited regularly.