League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Santa Clara County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Council Member; City of Santa Clara; Seat 4

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, Important Concerns, Balancing Interests Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What experience related to city government would you bring to the City Council? Answer from Jerry Marsalli: I served the City of Santa Clara for 30 years as a Police Officer and recently spent 8 years on the City's Parks and Recreation Commission. I also served on the City's General Plan Steering Committee for 2 years and helped develop the vision and focus for our city's future. With this background, I have built strong working relationships with several city staff members and I am very familiar with city operations, its various departments and functions. I continue to serve on the boards of several Santa Clara civic organizations that help contribute to the vitality of our community. 2. What concerns are of particular importance to the city and how would you address them? Answer from Jerry Marsalli: While there are many issues facing Santa Clara, there is three of particular importance for our City: promoting economic development, balancing the city budget, and maintaining city services. Economic Development A vibrant local economy will bring new businesses and good jobs to Santa Clara. I strongly support the City and the Chamber of Commerce working in partnership to do everything possible to promote a positive and dynamic environment for business, create sustainable jobs, and attract new companies to Santa Clara. The completed Stadium Project is expected to generate millions of dollars to the local economy and is the cornerstone for future economic development in Santa Clara. Balanced City Budget During these difficult economic times the city must be fiscally responsible in managing its revenues. With the dissolution of the City's Redevelopment Agency, we face new challenges that will require creative strategies and new public and private investment in Santa Clara. We need to collaborate with our employee groups through the collective bargaining process on salary, pension and benefit costs, and establish a second tier retirement plan. My responsibility as a City Councilman will be to ensure a sustainable financial future for Santa Clara. Maintaining City Services The quality of life we enjoy here is due in part to the outstanding city services provided to our community. I want to make sure the level of service provided to our residents and businesses is protected and maintained to keep Santa Clara an attractive place to live and work. Santa Clara has the lowest utility rates in the Bay Area and we must continue to invest in clean, renewable, and sustainable energy resources. Public Safety must be a top priority and we need to ensure funding for our award wining Library, Youth, and Senior programs. It is important to have well maintained streets, safe and reliable water systems, and environmentally friendly waste disposal services. 3. How would you balance the needs of the city as a whole with groups’ interests? Answer from Jerry Marsalli: Everyone in city government must never forget they work for the taxpayers. Santa Clara is a wonderful, diverse community and our city's quality of life is directly related to the livability and fabric of our neighborhoods. As a Councilman, I will make sure proposals and issues brought to the Council will be considered from all perspectives. Working collaboratively with those involved is in everyone's best interest. I believe we need to be open, transparent, and accountable in everything we do. Santa Clara has historically done an admirable job meeting these objectives and we must remain vigilant to maintain the public trust. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Please answer each question in no more than 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.