League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Council Member; Town of Los Altos Hills

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 Concerns, Balance Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What concerns are of particular importance to the city and how would you address them? Answer from John Radford: In a residents survey I completed at the start of my campaign, the resident's issues were 1) Maintaining the rustic beauty of the town, 2) Being fiscally responsible while investing in infrastructure and 3) Building community. I will continue to support both open space and environmental initiatives. I will invest wisely in key infrastructure and pathway projects. I will support activities that bring resident together and our public schools, which provide key social groups for the residents. The recent increase in water rates has also caused a big concern amongst the over 2/3 residents that utilize the supplier's water and have seen their rates increase. Rates are being increased as a method to conserve water. The city must address this by collaborating with the water supplier to ensure that the most vulnerable (low/fixed income residents) do not suffer as a result of the increase. Best practices dictate that new conservation practices adopted by the city can and should be implemented. Answer from Joan Sherlock: Important work that needs to be addressed is: to continue sound fiscal management, infrastructure improvements and creating incentives to increase sustainability on all levels including water conservation and building out our unique system of pathways. We need better high-speed Internet access, cell phone reception and residential solar power incentives. We also need to build community and educate all residents in emergency preparedness, as well as form a plan for bicycle/car safety. Answer from Gary C. Waldeck: Los Altos Hills concerns that I have observed include: Continue our robust fiscal policy Provide essential services and infrastructure (Fire, Sherriff, cell, roads, sewers, etc.) A balanced approach to property rights Having a council that is approachable, gets involved with issues and is responsive to the community's needs The town has had excellent fiscal stewardship and the participation of a skilled financial advisory group to help guide it as needed. There has been steady investment in infrastructure, but perhaps not quite as fast as desired. In particular, cell and internet services remain spotty in parts of our Town. A new 'Fast Track Guide' has just been released for developers designed to help them understand what is (and is not) important in the planning process that will result in reduced time, cost and disruption to develop or remodel properties. It is a very good work, but we need to maintain the momentum. Three words characterize my work ethic well: Involved, Responsive, Skilled. My approach is to get involved by digging in and understanding the issues, study the alternatives and then, make informed decisions. Each call is returned and acted upon to acknowledge our citizens and to better understand their concerns. I will use the skills developed over my professional career to effect measured, beneficial change. 2. How would you balance the needs of the city as a whole with groups' interests? Answer from Gary C. Waldeck: The role of a Councilman is to examine issues and find a solution, usually, involving some compromise when contentious issues are in play. In many ways, it is like a contractual negotiation. Every stakeholder has a say in the outcome. In most cases, no one individual is completely satisfied with a particular result. But by considering the points of view of all of the interests and then considering what our long term goals are, reasonable people will usually arrive at a workable solution to almost any issue. In the end, not everyone will be completely happy with an outcome, but, they will be able to accept and live with it. A council member also operates as a mediator/negotiator that will protect and ensure that the rights of all citizens are protected. Answer from Joan Sherlock: When our Town fathers founded the Town over 50 years ago, they carefully planned to preserve the rural ambience of our community. Born and raised in the Hills I have witnessed many changes to our Town. I have also seen how the leaders and volunteers in our community have maintained our unique environment and character even as they welcomed new residents and managed development. I bring the perspective of someone who has rebuilt a home, raised a family here, and has seen the long term implications and consequences of Council actions and policies over the years. It's important to protect what we have but also find a balance with personal property rights. Answer from John Radford: My strength is getting people to work toward a common goal. The issues may change, but my approach will not. I'll bring my strong fiscal business perspective and decision-making experience to city council deliberations. The one-acre minimum in our city is sacrosanct and must be strictly adhered to. The basic intent of our ordinances and the city's General Plan is key to maintaining what has made our city such a special place to live. If inconsistencies or deficiencies arise that can only be solved by re-examining our ordinances, then we will undertake such efforts in an open and transparent manner. All residents deserve to be heard and their opinions considered. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. Answers must not refer directly or indirectly to another candidate. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.