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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund

Smart Voter
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
Council Member; City of Santa Clara; Seat 5


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, 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 Dominic J. Caserta:

My proven experience as a two-term Council Member that balanced 8 consecutive budgets and fully staffed public safety and protected our neighborhoods in the Mission City. Additionally, as a 5th generation Santa Clarans and 18 year veteran teacher at Santa Clara High School, I have the homegrown values and first-hand, real-life experience to help make Santa Clara the best city to live, work, play, raise a family, and retire.

Answer from Kevin Park:

I have been to more City Council and Planning Commission meetings than any other city council person or commissioner on their own time. I have also attended planning commission and city councils in other Cities to understand what they are doing, such as Saratoga, Cupertino and Mountain View. This shows I have a wider view of what is possible. I have represented Santa Clara Sister Cities Association in Korea.

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

Answer from Dominic J. Caserta:

First, public safety. We must continue to fully staff public safety. I am honored to have the sole endorsement of the Santa Clara Police Officers and Firefighters. Next, we must protect our open space. My record and vision is why I have the sole endorsement of the Sierra Club, the California League of Conservation of Voters and Save Ulistac. Lastly, we must be business friendly while always protecting our existing neighborhoods. I am honored to have the sole endorsement of the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce PAC.

Answer from Kevin Park:

Finance is a concern; I would look at cutting down unnecessary spending and focus on infrastructure. I would also look at ways large organizations can contribute to our City in a positive way, such as the 49ers. G

Growth and density need to be addressed and we need to manage not just grow. This is part of being a responsible City to our residents, who already live and work in the City. Take into consideration what is already here and work with what is looking to be developed. Be good partners.

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

Answer from Dominic J. Caserta:

By being a transparent, responsive, ethical leader. My door will always be opened for any Santa Claran that wishes to talk with me. No issue is too small for me. I will continue to be the "people's" representative.

Answer from Kevin Park:

Again it is about partnership and the City has lots of opportunities for groups of all kinds who can in turn provide resources for the City. We provide opportunities and they provide us resources.


Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 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.


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Created: July 23, 2015 14:58 PDT
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