League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Alameda County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Mayor; City of Fremont

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Fremont, Newark, Union City and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Issues Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What do you think is the most important issue in this election? Answer from Steve Cho: The most important issue deals with the increase in crime. For the past 4-5 years, Fremont has dropped from being rated in the top 5 safest cities across the U.S. (cities of similar size) to below 60 today. Coincidentally, we have the lowest staffing ratio of police officers per thousand residents. We need to strengthen our police force and put back crime prevention programs that were previously eliminated. We need to re-examine our current policy of not responding to alarms, unless verified. Answer from Gus Morrison: The City Council's positions on growth and development, including the A's proposal is the most important issue in this election. Fremont grew in accordance with a highly respected General Plan, which provided protection for single family residences, buffers around industry, strong historical communities, and a central business district. I have always supported the General Plan and the dream of the founders of Fremont. When development proposals are made, they must fit with the concepts detailed in the General Plan and must fit the neighborhood and area. I do not believe in compromising the principles in the plan for short term gain. I have established a decision protocol for development proposals. If it complies with the General Plan and I have no difficulties with the proposal, I must vote for it. If I have difficulties with it, I must cause changes to be made or conditions to be added to make it acceptable to me. If I can achieve these changes, I will vote for it. If I cannot, I will vote against it. With that philosphy in mind and addressing the A's Ballpark village we must remember -- a successful project must be a win not only for the A's, but for Fremont too. The current proposal for the A's Ballpark Village creates many problems. I will work to resolve these problems to make it a win for Fremont. My priority is always Fremont first! What council approves will be there forever. If I am to make a mistake, voting no is the best mistake to make. A no vote can always be fixed with another proposal or a clarification of the original proposal. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.