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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
Experience,
Concerns,
Balance
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What experience related to city government would you bring to the city council?
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Answer from Steven Leonardis:
I bring the ability to build consensus and keep an open mind. I bring the ability to analyze finances and help balance our town's budget. And I bring the ability to analyze input from various sources including town staff, local businesses and residents. I will make informed decisions that take our ordinances, guidelines and General Plan into account.
Answer from Diane McNutt:
I have served eight years on the Los Gatos Town Council and have more than 25 years of experience as a community volunteer in Los Gatos and the Silicon Valley region.
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2. What concerns are of particular importance to the city and how would you address them?
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Answer from Steven Leonardis:
Our quality of life in Los Gatos is being challenged by the lingering national recession. Our revenues are decreasing and our expenses are headed higher. Our business district on Los Gatos Boulevard is in a transitory phase after several large auto dealerships have left town. Residents are shopping in neighboring communities for items they can't purchase here. To address these issues, I will encourage resident-serving projects that generate revenue while remaining compatible with our small-town character. On the expense side, I will support cutting costs at the town level by finding alternative ways to deliver the services our residents deserve and expect.
Answer from Diane McNutt:
The Town of Los Gatos has accomplished much in the past few years, but there are major challenges ahead and decisions to be made that will impact the community for generations to come. The lingering recession continues to jeopardize revenue coming to the Town that pays for General Fund expenses such as police, library, parks and streets. Several huge development proposals are expected in the next two years that will require careful and cautious analysis and tough decisions. As a hillside community with many neighborhoods at risk of wild fires and floods, and all residents at risk of earthquakes, we need to increase emergency preparedness. I will approach all of these concerns in the same way as I have in the past -- with thorough preparation, fair and objective consideration of alternatives, and thoughtful policy decisions that protect the special nature of our town and enhance it whenever possible.
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3. How would you balance the needs of the city as a whole with groups' interests?
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Answer from Steven Leonardis:
We have to serve the needs of all demographic groups. We need more senior housing, more affordable housing and more recreational facilities.
My pledge is to keep an open mind when issues come before the Town Council. I will do the necessary homework and listen to the people, town staff and fellow councilmembers. I will be fiscally responsible, environmentally sensitive, and focus on quality-of-life for all Los Gatos residents.
Answer from Diane McNutt:
Every decision that comes before the Town Council has at least two opposing points of view. In many cases, the answers are not easy or clear cut. We use the General Plan and other standards and guidelines as the base for analysis, and then weigh the pros and cons of competing values and priorities. It is important to approach each issue with an open mind and the willingness to make difficult decisions, knowing that they will displease some.
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.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
