League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 8, 2005 Election
	Jeanne Bradford Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Cupertino

Questions & Answers

1. What is your position on the initiatives that are before the voters?

While I respect the concerns and frustrations that have led to the initiatives, I do not believe that the measures, as written, will be effective in ensuring the slow, managed growth that our community requires. We need to protect our neighborhoods & hillsides, and ensure that when growth does occur, it is done thoughtfully, with a clear understanding of the direct impact it will have on traffic, schools and surrounding neighborhoods. We all need to be participants in a professional planning process, and have a collaborative voice in the issues before our community. Therefore, I am voting No on Measures A, B & C.

2. Where do you see the money coming from to run the city?

Cupertino is currently running at ~$2M operating deficit. With the combination of the state taking money away from the city, and the fact that the city receives only 4 cents on every dollar from our property tax, we must find realistic solutions to our city's financial situation, in order to afford the lifestyle that we all enjoy here in Cupertino. These are not easily issues, but they are solvable issues. Here are the steps I believe we need to take to get us back on track:

First, we must continue to control our costs. Attrition and reduction of programs and non-critical services should remain the target areas for continued cost control.

Additionally, we must focus on economic development as a way to increase our sales tax revenue. We must ensure that our local businesses are thriving and healthy. Everyone in Cupertino can play a role in supporting our local businesses: I urge you to join me and "Shop Cupertino". Collectively, we can make a significant impact on our local economy by choosing to do business in our city

Finally, we must attract new businesses (retail and B2B) to Cupertino. By attracting new businesses, we not only expand our tax base, but also mitigate against the impact of potential downturns.