League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Elizabeth "Liz" Gibbons Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Campbell

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What experience related to city government would you bring to the city council?

I have 20 years of experience with the City Manager form of government, beginning as the RDA project manage for the Downtown Streetscape Project, establishing an endowment fund for the Historical Museum as a means of financially sustaining the Ainsley House and Historical Museum. Also as Planning Commissioner where the Capital Improvement Plans are presented each year, the General Plan updates are scrutinized in Public Hearings for City Council approval and major City initiatives for development within Campbell are presented. As Chair, I conduct Public Hearings - calm and contentions as well as disappointing and rewarding. I respect and support the open public process.

2. What concerns are of particular importance to the city and how would you address them?

First, managing the impact of the economy on City services. We need to support the business community is to ensure Campbell remains a destination where people want to visit and spend money. Small infrastructure projects such as trees, lighting and facade programs contribute. Important Council actions now include:

• Continue to control and monitor expenditures;
• Support staff in implementing the cost controlling measures of 2010-2011 budget;
• Look for partnership opportunities with surrounding towns and cities with similar community value;
• Continue to educate the residents that the money spent in Campbell directly fills the City's general fund;
• Maximize technology to reduce costs

The General Plan, Zoning and Ordinance need continued monitoring for compatibility of uses and a business-friendly revenue-generating economy. There are solutions, preferable without trade-offs. I support zoning that entices new businesses to Campbell. We need a Council that gives confidence to investors and entrepreneurs in Campbell. RDA has implements some very successful programs and these should be continued. The City should not risk taxpayer dollars underwriting small business loans.

Second, maintaining safety, including traffic control.

First priority is to ensure Campbell PD has what it needs to enforce existing laws and regulations in all neighborhoods. Second priority is to evaluate the City's policy for non-physical traffic control measures. Non-intrusive measures are possible. Stop signs and red curb to improve sight lines are non-intrusive.

With my election, a network of email trees connected to the Police Department will facilitate distribution of information about criminal activity in specific neighborhoods. Equally important, this structure may well serve our community in the event of an emergency. Emergency Preparedness will be a hallmark of living in Campbell. The Public Works Department will be asked to revisit the policy and, at the very least, provide an expanded list of options for residential areas impacted by speeding and cut-through traffic where there is a documented problem.

3. How would you balance the needs of the city as a whole with groups' interests?

Instilling transparent government as an intuitive practice.

• Keep up the "Election" dialogue. Hold at least two City Council meeting per year in the community, perhaps at schools
• Require City projects to follow the same entitlement process as private projects
• Expand the notification for project requiring Public Hearings

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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.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 3, 2010 19:33
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