The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on , ,

Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from Joe Judge:

I have a degree in business and have owned or operated a small business for over two decades and bring that perspective to financial management. Also, my experience as a member of the Board is especially critical at this time in California water policy. In particular, my service as Board Chairman of the District during the last drought, gives me a great appreciation for the value of conservation and developing alternative water supplies, like recycled water. I will continue to emphasize those types of projects.

Answer from Diana Foss:

I have a strong technical background, with good problem-solving skills, working both alone and collaboratively. My experience with Sustainable Silicon Valley, bringing together business, local government and non-profits to identify and address resource pressures in Valley, has shown the vital need for regional solutions to water issues.

Answer from Joe Judge:

The financial condition of the District is strong, in fact one of the strongest of any public agency in the state, as evidenced by some of the highest bond ratings available. However, like other public agencies, we are at risk of not making the investments we need to maintain our assets and operational capacity in a time of slowed economic growth, revenues being taken away by Sacramento, the costs of doing business and construction going up, and the looming long-term costs of retirement and health benefits for past, current and future employees. This is not unique to the District, however we are being prudent and preparing for it as well. My business background will serve the District and the residents of District 2 well on these issues.

Answer from Diana Foss:

The SCVWD has a huge portfolio of aging infrastructure, as-yet-unmet environmental commitments and a pressing need to find sources of water to accommodate future growth. Groundwater charges can only continue to grow indefinitely if the District can convince ratepayers that it is necessary. Similarly, the Measure B ("Clean, Safe Creeks") parcel tax will expire in 2015, and voters will need to see significant progress on the projects promised in 2000 before approving another tax. The DIstrict has only just started to account for the very generous retiree healthcare benefits it grants its employees; paying for these benefits is a significant driver of the increase in water charges.

Answer from Diana Foss:

Rivers flow across the land, heedless of political jurisdictions. California's water issues can only be solved regionally. The District must work with San Jose and Santa Clara, to expand the use of recycled water. It must work with all local municipalities, to address problems of stormwater runoff, of enforcement of conservation measures, and of land use that strains water supplies. The District must work with the state of California and the 100+ entities that have a stake in the Delta, to cut through the political gridlock that has paralyzed policy toward the Delta for the last 30 years and kept it moving toward disaster.

Water is life. The history of California is the history of water. Water is too important to be held hostage to turf battles.

Answer from Joe Judge:

I have spearheaded a focus on such collaboration in my years on the Board. We currently meet twice a year with the San Jose City Council to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern. We have long been an agency that promoted collaboration with all levels of government from the federal agencies on down to cities and environmental non-governmental groups. So I would continue to support those efforts.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.