League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Susan Marsland Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of San Jose; Council District 1

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?

Prior to my service in education in the Moreland School District, I was an administrator for the Marrkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University and worked for nearly a decade as a specialist and program manager for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), an independent, nonprofit organization that brings together scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, health, safety and the environment. I have an undergraduate degree from Westminster Choir College and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from San José State University. I was honored to serve as an Arts Commissioner for the City of San José and spent several years participating as a community leader on the Envision San José 2040 General Plan Update, supporting goals centered on a vibrant quality of life. I have also served on the boards of Contemporary Asian Theatre Scene (CATS), EHC LifeBuilders (now HomeFirst), and a number of other community based organizations.

2. San Jose budget difficulties have resulted in unprecedented cuts to staff and services. How will you deal with coming shortfalls? Restoring some of the City services? And, if you think the City needs additional resources, what are your ideas for increasing revenues?

As Mayor Reed has pointed out - it is a two way street. The City has worked to reduce costs, but now the residents need to step up and do their part with a small tax increase - a notion that was supported by 60% of voters in a recent citywide survey. The City should however, constantly audit services to find where efficiencies can be achieved. As a resident, I want to be able to count on the fact that my tax dollars will be spent wisely and allocated to fund things like public safety, libraries, and road repairs that are necessary to maintain our quality of life. We can also do more to attract new business and new jobs to San José, which would improve our tax base and allow our residents to live, work, and play in San José, all while enjoying quality public services. This includes streamlining our permitting process and working with landlords and tenants to fill vacant commercial and retail space.

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

From talking to residents across District 1, I know that public safety is a top priority. But our leaders need to be able to connect the dots to the root causes of crime. By emphasizing the need for increased economic opportunity, community building, safe and decent housing, and safe streets for all, we can identify viable, long-term solutions to keep our neighbors and families safe.

4. How would you balance the needs of the City as a whole while also addressing needs of your district as well as those of special groups?

As a Councilmember, I will thoughtfully consider how each decision I make will impact all San José residents, as well as our neighbors in cities throughout Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. I have made this city my home for 30 years, and I've raised my sons in District 1. My first priority will be to give a voice to my neighbors and their families. All too often, special interests of all stripes have been polarizing our politics and suffocating good public policy. That needs to change, and I hope to play a role in that change.

5. How much money do you expect to raise/spend on your race, and how will you assure voters that financial contributions will not affect your decisions/positions should you be elected?

I expect to raise and spend about $30,000 during the primary campaign -- almost entirely from small donors giving $100 or less. This is a modest sum compared to politically connected or self-funded candidates, but we are making every dollar count with a grassroots campaign funded by the time and resources of friends, family, and a team of supporters. I have not received money from labor groups, business groups, developers, or lobbyists.

As the only woman in this race, I have accepted donations from organizations that support female candidates. But I don't think that will affect my decisions any more than actually being a woman.

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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.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 10, 2014 05:36
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