Silicon Valley Leadership Group – San José City Council Candidate Questionnaire
The purpose of the candidate questionnaire is to provide an open and transparent view of where local candidates for office in Silicon Valley stand on key issues that impact our local economy and quality of life.
Many candidate questionnaires remain confidential. This is intentionally the opposite. Our questions and each candidate’s answers are intentionally made public, both through the Leadership Group CEO’s blog, social media, distribution to our 400 member companies, posting on our web site and other forms of proactive communication.
This questionnaire is also intentionally shorter than most questionnaires of this nature, reflecting our interest – at the local and regional level – in what we believe are THEE issues facing families and employers in the region:
“T” – Transportation
“H” – Housing
“E” – Education
“E” – Energy & the Environment
Yes, there are additional issues of interest to our community, employers, workers and the broader community, but this short questionnaire will focus on these four areas. Finally, this questionnaire is intentionally not focused on “political questions” about fundraising, political endorsements, et cetera.
DISTRICT 2
District 2 – Steve Brown
1. “T” – Transportation
For the past 3 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s 400 member companies have been reaching out to the broader community about our willingness to help champion a November, 2016 transportation funding measure to provide congestion relief, transit options & street maintenance improvements throughout the 15 cities and towns in Santa Clara County. A transportation-specific measure, with accountability requirements, could be placed on the ballot by either the VTA or the County Board of Supervisors. From the perspective of the Leadership Group, a DRAFT 75-word Ballot Statement might read as follows:
“To Relieve Traffic, Repair Potholes; shall the Valley Transportation Authority enact a 30-year half-cent sales tax to:
• Repair Streets, Fix Potholes in all 15 Cities;
• Finish the BART Extension to Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara;
• Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety, especially near Schools;
• Increase CalTrain capacity, easing highway congestion and improving safety at crossings;
• Relieve traffic on all 9 Expressways and Key Highway Interchanges;
• Enhance Transit for Seniors, Students, Low-Income, Disabled;
Mandating Annual Audits by an Independent Citizens Watchdog Committee to ensure accountability.”
Would you support or oppose this ballot measure?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* Transportation efficiency and variety are critical to maintain and improve our quality of life. We must invest in a mix of options that meets the needs of families, workers, students and commercial enterprise. Economic development is dependent on the the ability for workers to get to work and back home in a reasonable time and for products to move efficiently. Transportation is the network that binds our communities, encourages commerce, and enables families to get to and from work, school, shopping and entertainment. We can’t just talk about the importance of this network, we need to invest in it.
2. “T” – Transportation
High-Speed Rail: The High Speed Rail Authority’s revised business plan calls for their next segment to come from Fresno to San Jose, which would provide 220-mile per hour service to Downtown San Jose from Fresno (60 minutes), Merced (45 minutes) and Gilroy (15 minutes).
Would you support or oppose a High-Speed Rail Line to and through Downtown San Jose’s “Diridon Station,” by the SAP Arena, and under what conditions?
* No, I oppose High-Speed Rail to and through San Jose
Why or why not – and if yes, under what conditions?
* Initially, I supported the concept, but as cost estimates skyrocketed, and completion estimates kept being pushed further and further away, I became skeptical – and am no longer convinced of the viability of the project. We have limit debt capacity and many demands. I have read estimates that CA needs $65 Billion to repair our existing infrastructure – about the same cost as HSR (before recent announcement that would not be enough). We need to start over, let the the engineering and the market determine routing, and ensure a more transparent management system is put into place.
3. “H” – Housing & Homelessness
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is working with State Senate President Kevin de Leon on a bipartisan effort to pass a $2 billion statewide homelessness bond to help provide housing for chronically homeless people with mental health issues. By some estimates, those who are homeless with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges make up as much as 90 percent of our chronically homeless population.
Would you support or oppose this statewide legislative effort for a $2 billion homeless bond to serve those with mental health issues?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* Two reasons – human compassion & economic sense. Studies have estimated the cost of dealing with homeless at $40,000 per year, including costs for healthcare, public safety, and other programs. It is actually cheaper to solve the problem than to ignore it. Second, as a society, helping the most vulnerable is the measure of a society. I serve on a non-Profit board that helps feed the homeless and provide counseling every month. In addition, we must not only provide housing, but must tackle the cause of the problem – which for many is mental health or substance abuse.
4. “E” – Education
Should San Jose increase the number of public “Charter Schools” to make quality education accessible to more low-income students?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* We need more innovation and choice, parent participation, and results from our education system. Charter schools, like Downtown San Jose Prep, offer solutions that raise test scores, reduce truancy and crime, and improve graduation rates. We need to expand technical and vocational training in High Schools as well as community colleges – to provide students with a better future and employers with better prepared workers.
5. “E” – Environment & Energy
For the past 7 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group has been working with Save the Bay, the Bay Area Council and others to develop a funding plan to restore the Bay and to prepare our region for potential flooding that would jeopardize our Water Pollution Control Plant, public utilities, roads, and commercial, industrial and residential facilities, all below sea level. Would you support a $12 per year parcel tax in the 9-county Bay Area, with the 75-word ballot statement below:
San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.
To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?
* No
Why or why not?
* While I support the goals of improved water quality, restoration and flood controls, I do not think that property-owners alone should bear the cost; nor do I think $25 million is nearly sufficient to tackle the scope of the problem.
District 2 – Sergio Jimenez
1. “T” – Transportation
For the past 3 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s 400 member companies have been reaching out to the broader community about our willingness to help champion a November, 2016 transportation funding measure to provide congestion relief, transit options & street maintenance improvements throughout the 15 cities and towns in Santa Clara County. A transportation-specific measure, with accountability requirements, could be placed on the ballot by either the VTA or the County Board of Supervisors. From the perspective of the Leadership Group, a DRAFT 75-word Ballot Statement might read as follows:
“To Relieve Traffic, Repair Potholes; shall the Valley Transportation Authority enact a 30-year half-cent sales tax to:
• Repair Streets, Fix Potholes in all 15 Cities;
• Finish the BART Extension to Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara;
• Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety, especially near Schools;
• Increase CalTrain capacity, easing highway congestion and improving safety at crossings;
• Relieve traffic on all 9 Expressways and Key Highway Interchanges;
• Enhance Transit for Seniors, Students, Low-Income, Disabled;
Mandating Annual Audits by an Independent Citizens Watchdog Committee to ensure accountability.”
Would you support or oppose this ballot measure?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* We need these changes but it’s important to know the details. District 2 needs to addresses many of these transit concerns given major transit corridors pass through District 2. As the ‘gig’ economy grows, we need to find solutions that go beyond tax measures at the ballot box and everyone participates in change.
Large companies have a seat at the table, but few of them are those most reliant on public transit. Strong community engagement to develop broad solutions that work for everyone is essential and should be fostered. For the sake of the environment, reliance on automobiles must change.
2. “T” – Transportation
High-Speed Rail: The High Speed Rail Authority’s revised business plan calls for their next segment to come from Fresno to San Jose, which would provide 220-mile per hour service to Downtown San Jose from Fresno (60 minutes), Merced (45 minutes) and Gilroy (15 minutes).
Would you support or oppose a High-Speed Rail Line to and through Downtown San Jose’s “Diridon Station,” by the SAP Arena, and under what conditions?
* Yes, I support High-Speed Rail to and through San Jose
Why or why not – and if yes, under what conditions?
* High Speed Rail will likely run through District 2, hopefully without harmful ramifications. We need HSR, but we need our communities concerns heard. I am supportive of HSR and do not want it prolonged or dismissed like the fatal mistake from years ago delaying BART’s arrival to our neighborhoods.
San Jose is the third largest city in California and will be a major hub for HSR, so our voice should be strong throughout this process. Many residents are disenchanted with the process but with transparent and thoughtful engagement I know we will make HSR a positive addition to San Jose.
3. “H” – Housing & Homelessness
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is working with State Senate President Kevin de Leon on a bipartisan effort to pass a $2 billion statewide homelessness bond to help provide housing for chronically homeless people with mental health issues. By some estimates, those who are homeless with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges make up as much as 90 percent of our chronically homeless population.
Would you support or oppose this statewide legislative effort for a $2 billion homeless bond to serve those with mental health issues?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* It’s been too long in helping our fellow residents that struggle to have housing, especially those with mental health issues. We have the ability to tackle this issue head on, and not continue to push people into the shadows. Housing is only one part of the solution but with good outreach and comprehensive services we will make a difference.
San José must not be alone in this fight. Including regional partners, corporations, and communities will help us solve this issue. Combined with other solutions underway, this bond will help us better care for others and find sustainable and permanent solutions.
4. “E” – Education
Should San Jose increase the number of public “Charter Schools” to make quality education accessible to more low-income students?
* No
Why or why not?
* On occasion Charter schools offer creativity but they are not the solution. We are not seeing success as enrollment changes put harmful pressure on our public schools, test scores are decreasing and public oversight is lacking. We need quality education that focuses on our public schools first.
Our school boards are our leaders for education reform and we must entrust them to make long-term solutions that work for every child. The success of our schools is very important to me, and I will be a strong advocate for doing all we can for our children, now and in the future.
5. “E” – Environment & Energy
For the past 7 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group has been working with Save the Bay, the Bay Area Council and others to develop a funding plan to restore the Bay and to prepare our region for potential flooding that would jeopardize our Water Pollution Control Plant, public utilities, roads, and commercial, industrial and residential facilities, all below sea level. Would you support a $12 per year parcel tax in the 9-county Bay Area, with the 75-word ballot statement below:
San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.
To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* We must all be a part of the solution to address our roles in climate change, and I hope that beyond this parcel tax we find more partnerships from the business community. The San Francisco Bay is a treasure that we must protect and preserve. The diverse support growing for Measure AA is empowering. However as the Bay’s largest city San Jose residents must be strong in the oversight and management of these actions.
I have been a leader for the environment on the Parks Commission and will be at City Hall. Our children deserve a sustainable and safe future.
District 2 – Joe Lopez
1. “T” – Transportation
For the past 3 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s 400 member companies have been reaching out to the broader community about our willingness to help champion a November, 2016 transportation funding measure to provide congestion relief, transit options & street maintenance improvements throughout the 15 cities and towns in Santa Clara County. A transportation-specific measure, with accountability requirements, could be placed on the ballot by either the VTA or the County Board of Supervisors. From the perspective of the Leadership Group, a DRAFT 75-word Ballot Statement might read as follows:
“To Relieve Traffic, Repair Potholes; shall the Valley Transportation Authority enact a 30-year half-cent sales tax to:
• Repair Streets, Fix Potholes in all 15 Cities;
• Finish the BART Extension to Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara;
• Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety, especially near Schools;
• Increase CalTrain capacity, easing highway congestion and improving safety at crossings;
• Relieve traffic on all 9 Expressways and Key Highway Interchanges;
• Enhance Transit for Seniors, Students, Low-Income, Disabled;
Mandating Annual Audits by an Independent Citizens Watchdog Committee to ensure accountability.”
Would you support or oppose this ballot measure?
*Yes
Why or why not?
* I would support such a measure providing that San Jose is able to obtain its fair share of necessary funding for street repairs, and vehicle congestion.
2. “T” – Transportation
High-Speed Rail: The High Speed Rail Authority’s revised business plan calls for their next segment to come from Fresno to San Jose, which would provide 220-mile per hour service to Downtown San Jose from Fresno (60 minutes), Merced (45 minutes) and Gilroy (15 minutes).
Would you support or oppose a High-Speed Rail Line to and through Downtown San Jose’s “Diridon Station,” by the SAP Arena, and under what conditions?
*Yes, I support High-Speed Rail to and through San Jose
Why or why not – and if yes, under what conditions?
* I would support it conditional on the system eventually becoming self supporting independent of taxpayer funding.
3. “H” – Housing & Homelessness
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is working with State Senate President Kevin de Leon on a bipartisan effort to pass a $2 billion statewide homelessness bond to help provide housing for chronically homeless people with mental health issues. By some estimates, those who are homeless with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges make up as much as 90 percent of our chronically homeless population.
Would you support or oppose this statewide legislative effort for a $2 billion homeless bond to serve those with mental health issues?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* I believe we need to address the bigger part of this issue. Mental Health and Substance abuse issue cost the taxpayers more when left ignored Housing the Homeless in appropriate housing locations and collaborated treatment is money better spent and will reduce crime in the process.
4. “E” – Education
Should San Jose increase the number of public “Charter Schools” to make quality education accessible to more low-income students?
*Yes
Why or why not?
* Charter schools show higher achievement levels for students and should be encouraged, particularly where Pupil performance is below the established standards.
5. “E” – Environment & Energy
For the past 7 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group has been working with Save the Bay, the Bay Area Council and others to develop a funding plan to restore the Bay and to prepare our region for potential flooding that would jeopardize our Water Pollution Control Plant, public utilities, roads, and commercial, industrial and residential facilities, all below sea level. Would you support a $12 per year parcel tax in the 9-county Bay Area, with the 75-word ballot statement below:
San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.
To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?
*Yes
Why or why not?
* Sea level rise is a reality and investing now to protect existing public and private parcels subject to flooding should be a priority. The South bay and its cities have witnessed historical episodes of flooding due to the lack of Water Projects designed to protect our rivers and streams. That same threat will now come from the bay as Sea Levels Rise. Investing now in Habitat Restoration is cost effective and least destructive to the environment.
District 2 – Eli Portales
1. “T” – Transportation
For the past 3 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s 400 member companies have been reaching out to the broader community about our willingness to help champion a November, 2016 transportation funding measure to provide congestion relief, transit options & street maintenance improvements throughout the 15 cities and towns in Santa Clara County. A transportation-specific measure, with accountability requirements, could be placed on the ballot by either the VTA or the County Board of Supervisors. From the perspective of the Leadership Group, a DRAFT 75-word Ballot Statement might read as follows:
“To Relieve Traffic, Repair Potholes; shall the Valley Transportation Authority enact a 30-year half-cent sales tax to:
• Repair Streets, Fix Potholes in all 15 Cities;
• Finish the BART Extension to Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara;
• Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety, especially near Schools;
• Increase CalTrain capacity, easing highway congestion and improving safety at crossings;
• Relieve traffic on all 9 Expressways and Key Highway Interchanges;
• Enhance Transit for Seniors, Students, Low-Income, Disabled;
Mandating Annual Audits by an Independent Citizens Watchdog Committee to ensure accountability.”
Would you support or oppose this ballot measure?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* We need to upgrade our public transportation system but understand that until BART arrives and Caltrain is electrified we need to do the following:
-2 For D2- Get residents to take public transportation at least twice a week. (My wife like many of my neighbors works for Cisco Systems in North San Jose and it will take her an hour to get there, in the least we need to provide a reliable wifi signal and a supporting app similar to NextBus in Alameda)
– Addition of a BART extension similar to eBART that not only connects Diridon to Santa Clara but also extends the line to Alviso in the north and Edenvale in the south.
-Commuter carpool, i.e. Cisco System and Samsung employees from the same neighborhood commuting.
-Flex shuttles in neighborhoods such as D2 where a large number of our neighbors work in North San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and Cupertino.
2. “T” – Transportation
High-Speed Rail: The High Speed Rail Authority’s revised business plan calls for their next segment to come from Fresno to San Jose, which would provide 220-mile per hour service to Downtown San Jose from Fresno (60 minutes), Merced (45 minutes) and Gilroy (15 minutes).
Would you support or oppose a High-Speed Rail Line to and through Downtown San Jose’s “Diridon Station,” by the SAP Arena, and under what conditions?
* Yes, I support High-Speed Rail to and through San Jose
Why or why not – and if yes, under what conditions?
* It is critical that we have a clear picture of how much we will be spending on this project and exactly what the impacts will be on existing neighborhoods. For example if the HSR takes away a lane on Monterey Road it will add significant traffic to streets such as Santa Teresa and we need our neighbors in D2 at the table so they can provide real input into this process. The dream of having a truly high speed rail system comparable to the systems in Europe and Japan is currently in danger of falling far short of our original expectations.
3. “H” – Housing & Homelessness
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is working with State Senate President Kevin de Leon on a bipartisan effort to pass a $2 billion statewide homelessness bond to help provide housing for chronically homeless people with mental health issues. By some estimates, those who are homeless with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges make up as much as 90 percent of our chronically homeless population.
Would you support or oppose this statewide legislative effort for a $2 billion homeless bond to serve those with mental health issues?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* Permanent housing is the key to addressing the homeless issue, as demonstrated by the pioneering work of the Church of Latter Day Saints in Salt Lake City. I believe social impact bonds have a place not only at the state level but also at the city level.
4. “E” – Education
Should San Jose increase the number of public “Charter Schools” to make quality education accessible to more low-income students?
* No
Why or why not?
* I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of schools like Downtown College Prep. I served as a mock trial coach for years at the original campus at the old Hester Elementary. I believe we need to focus on strengthening public private partnerships between our public schools and our corporate citizens in San Jose. As the future council member I will work closely with our traditional schools and corporate citizens, to bring mentors and resources into our classrooms.
5. “E” – Environment & Energy
For the past 7 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group has been working with Save the Bay, the Bay Area Council and others to develop a funding plan to restore the Bay and to prepare our region for potential flooding that would jeopardize our Water Pollution Control Plant, public utilities, roads, and commercial, industrial and residential facilities, all below sea level. Would you support a $12 per year parcel tax in the 9-county Bay Area, with the 75-word ballot statement below:
San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.
To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* While I believe we need to always tread lightly when asking our citizens to further tax themselves, however I believe the health of the Bay is critical to our region and we should support this initiative.
DISTRICT 4
District 4 – Lan Diep
1. “T” – Transportation
For the past 3 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s 400 member companies have been reaching out to the broader community about our willingness to help champion a November, 2016 transportation funding measure to provide congestion relief, transit options & street maintenance improvements throughout the 15 cities and towns in Santa Clara County. A transportation-specific measure, with accountability requirements, could be placed on the ballot by either the VTA or the County Board of Supervisors. From the perspective of the Leadership Group, a DRAFT 75-word Ballot Statement might read as follows:
“To Relieve Traffic, Repair Potholes; shall the Valley Transportation Authority enact a 30-year half-cent sales tax to:
• Repair Streets, Fix Potholes in all 15 Cities;
• Finish the BART Extension to Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara;
• Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety, especially near Schools;
• Increase CalTrain capacity, easing highway congestion and improving safety at crossings;
• Relieve traffic on all 9 Expressways and Key Highway Interchanges;
• Enhance Transit for Seniors, Students, Low-Income, Disabled;
Mandating Annual Audits by an Independent Citizens Watchdog Committee to ensure accountability.”
Would you support or oppose this ballot measure?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* Although sales taxes are the most regressive form of tax, they are also the most reliable way to secure much-needed public funding for critical infrastructure improvements. Everyone benefits from excellent public transportation. Even those who don’t use rail or bus service benefit from having less congestion on the roads and cleaner air. In the future, I hope better and more substantive funding can be identified (at the state or federal level) to further improve public transit in the valley, but for now, this sales tax proposal is our best bet to take the next step toward an excellent transit system.
2. “T” – Transportation
High-Speed Rail: The High Speed Rail Authority’s revised business plan calls for their next segment to come from Fresno to San Jose, which would provide 220-mile per hour service to Downtown San Jose from Fresno (60 minutes), Merced (45 minutes) and Gilroy (15 minutes).
Would you support or oppose a High-Speed Rail Line to and through Downtown San Jose’s “Diridon Station,” by the SAP Arena, and under what conditions?
* Yes, I support High-Speed Rail to and through San Jose
Why or why not – and if yes, under what conditions?
* High Speed rail is the singular best economic development tool that San Jose has. Not only will it open travel up and down the central valley corridor, including connections to universities such as UC Merced and residential centers like Gilroy and Fresno, but it will inevitably lead to great and meaningful investments in the land around SAP center and Diridon. Although there are some environmental drawbacks, and a few communities may perceive they will be negatively affected by high-speed rail, these arguments are grossly outweighed by the benefits to a majority of the population throughout California.
3. “H” – Housing & Homelessness
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is working with State Senate President Kevin de Leon on a bipartisan effort to pass a $2 billion statewide homelessness bond to help provide housing for chronically homeless people with mental health issues. By some estimates, those who are homeless with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges make up as much as 90 percent of our chronically homeless population.
Would you support or oppose this statewide legislative effort for a $2 billion homeless bond to serve those with mental health issues?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* Homelessness is undeniably a problem in the valley and it is unacceptable that it is such a prevalent one in a place of such wealth. There are various reasons for homelessness but at the end of the day, I believe in preserving the pathways and opportunities for people to lift themselves out of homelessness and poverty. While I do not generally believe that people are entitled to anything, people should be given the opportunities to succeed. As a society we cannot ignore the problem of homelessness as it is a problem that affects everyone through environmental and economic impacts.
4. “E” – Education
Should San Jose increase the number of public “Charter Schools” to make quality education accessible to more low-income students?
* ___ Yes ___ No
Why or why not?
* I support Charter Schools and have witnessed firsthand their excellence. But Charter Schools are supposed to force public schools to become more innovative. They shouldn’t be seen as preferable to public schools. I am not opposed to more Charter Schools. But I am reluctant to say that they are the solution to better education. Setting an arbitrary goal for the number of anything is a poor way to set benchmarks for our children. Smaller class sizes, bilingual immersion programs; technical/vocational programs and other ideas are all worthy of exploration to improve quality of education, in addition to expanding Charter Schools.
5. “E” – Environment & Energy
For the past 7 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group has been working with Save the Bay, the Bay Area Council and others to develop a funding plan to restore the Bay and to prepare our region for potential flooding that would jeopardize our Water Pollution Control Plant, public utilities, roads, and commercial, industrial and residential facilities, all below sea level. Would you support a $12 per year parcel tax in the 9-county Bay Area, with the 75-word ballot statement below:
San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.
To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* Our environment is important, and efforts at protecting it has the added benefit of helping us to better understand (and possibly contain) global warming as well as public health and air quality. Though it’s disappointing that the state and federal government has done a poor job of providing long-term funds to support these types of efforts, if a parcel tax is the only way to identify a source of funds, then it’s better than nothing.
District 4 – Manh Nguyen
1. “T” – Transportation
For the past 3 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s 400 member companies have been reaching out to the broader community about our willingness to help champion a November, 2016 transportation funding measure to provide congestion relief, transit options & street maintenance improvements throughout the 15 cities and towns in Santa Clara County. A transportation-specific measure, with accountability requirements, could be placed on the ballot by either the VTA or the County Board of Supervisors. From the perspective of the Leadership Group, a DRAFT 75-word Ballot Statement might read as follows:
“To Relieve Traffic, Repair Potholes; shall the Valley Transportation Authority enact a 30-year half-cent sales tax to:
• Repair Streets, Fix Potholes in all 15 Cities;
• Finish the BART Extension to Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara;
• Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety, especially near Schools;
• Increase CalTrain capacity, easing highway congestion and improving safety at crossings;
• Relieve traffic on all 9 Expressways and Key Highway Interchanges;
• Enhance Transit for Seniors, Students, Low-Income, Disabled;
Mandating Annual Audits by an Independent Citizens Watchdog Committee to ensure accountability.”
Would you support or oppose this ballot measure?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* It is critical that we support San Jose’s struggling transportation infrastructure. By investing in our infrastructure now, we can ensure that San Jose is prepared for the future. An upgrade to our transportation networks will allow San Jose to continue to grow. With this growth more jobs, and the economic boost that comes with them, can be brought to our city. As with any measure such as this, it will be important that regular audits occur to make sure that the revenue gained from the measure is being used appropriately.
2. “T” – Transportation
High-Speed Rail: The High Speed Rail Authority’s revised business plan calls for their next segment to come from Fresno to San Jose, which would provide 220-mile per hour service to Downtown San Jose from Fresno (60 minutes), Merced (45 minutes) and Gilroy (15 minutes).
Would you support or oppose a High-Speed Rail Line to and through Downtown San Jose’s “Diridon Station,” by the SAP Arena, and under what conditions?
* Yes, I support High-Speed Rail to and through San Jose
Why or why not – and if yes, under what conditions?
* Bringing the California high speed rail to San Jose is an investment that cannot be disregarded. Due to its size, California has been separated into isolated economic regions. Building the high speed rail will strengthen the economic link between the different regions of our state. We cannot allow San Jose to be separated from this network that the high speed rail will create. There is still plenty of work to be done to make sure that this train is a success. The construction as well as the planning must be responsibly managed to ensure that the funds invested are being used properly.
3. “H” – Housing & Homelessness
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is working with State Senate President Kevin de Leon on a bipartisan effort to pass a $2 billion statewide homelessness bond to help provide housing for chronically homeless people with mental health issues. By some estimates, those who are homeless with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges make up as much as 90 percent of our chronically homeless population.
Would you support or oppose this statewide legislative effort for a $2 billion homeless bond to serve those with mental health issues?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* San Jose’s homelessness problem will not fix itself. It is important that we act now to fix this problem before it continues to get worse. We must focus funding on treating mental illnesses as well as building a system in which the homeless are give a path to success. This bond is the right first step to assist people who need help the most to get back on their feet. The revenue generated from this bond will allow us to attack homelessness head on and help prevent the current situation from worsening.
4. “E” – Education
Should San Jose increase the number of public “Charter Schools” to make quality education accessible to more low-income students?
* ___ Yes ___ No
Why or why not?
* Charter schools are an important tool that should only be used in situations where public schools have failed.
5. “E” – Environment & Energy
For the past 7 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group has been working with Save the Bay, the Bay Area Council and others to develop a funding plan to restore the Bay and to prepare our region for potential flooding that would jeopardize our Water Pollution Control Plant, public utilities, roads, and commercial, industrial and residential facilities, all below sea level. Would you support a $12 per year parcel tax in the 9-county Bay Area, with the 75-word ballot statement below:
San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.
To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* Creating a parcel tax to preserve our environment is an investment that must be made to protect our future. The delicate ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay must be protected. The fact that the revenue generated by this bond will have independent citizen oversight and regular audits makes this bond especially promising. This bond is further enriched by the fact that the annual revenue of 25 million dollars will be staying local.
DISTRICT 6
District 6 – Peter Allen
1. “T” – Transportation
For the past 3 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s 400 member companies have been reaching out to the broader community about our willingness to help champion a November 2016 transportation funding measure to provide congestion relief, transit options & street maintenance improvements throughout the 15 cities and towns in Santa Clara County. A transportation-specific measure, with accountability requirements, could be placed on the ballot by either the VTA or the County Board of Supervisors. From the perspective of the Leadership Group, a DRAFT 75-word Ballot Statement might read as follows:
“To Relieve Traffic, Repair Potholes; shall the Valley Transportation Authority enact a 30-year half-cent sales tax to:
• Repair Streets, Fix Potholes in all 15 Cities;
• Finish the BART Extension to Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara;
• Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety, especially near Schools;
• Increase CalTrain capacity, easing highway congestion and improving safety at crossings;
• Relieve traffic on all 9 Expressways and Key Highway Interchanges;
• Enhance Transit for Seniors, Students, Low-Income, Disabled;
Mandating Annual Audits by an Independent Citizens Watchdog Committee to ensure accountability.”
Would you support or oppose this ballot measure?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* Our valley’s population is expected to grow significantly over the next 15-20 years, and our transportation systems need to prepare to move those residents from work to school to a Sharks game in an efficient manner. While I support the proposed ballot measure, I believe it should include certainties that funds are equitably distributed throughout our community and directed toward areas in the most need of reliable public transportation options, particularly low-income and senior communities. Additionally, the champions of this measure should be honest with taxpayers about the real costs and challenges of creating a world-class regional transit system.
2. “T” – Transportation
High-Speed Rail: The High Speed Rail Authority’s revised business plan calls for their next segment to come from Fresno to San Jose, which would provide 220-mile per hour service to Downtown San Jose from Fresno (60 minutes), Merced (45 minutes) and Gilroy (15 minutes).
Would you support or oppose a High-Speed Rail Line to and through Downtown San Jose’s “Diridon Station,” by the SAP Arena, and under what conditions?
* Yes, I support High-Speed Rail to and through San Jose
Why or why not – and if yes, under what conditions?
* When completed, high-speed rail will be the spine of California’s public transportation network. As the largest city in the Bay Area with an existing transit hub that will soon be adding BART to the mix, it makes dollars and sense for HSR to come through San José. That being said, the devil is in the details. As a councilmember, I would engage in extensive community outreach and collaboration at all stages of the planning process to ensure that HSR follows the best possible alignment for increasing transportation efficiency while also respecting the character and quality of our neighborhoods.
3. “H” – Housing & Homelessness
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is working with State Senate President Kevin de Leon on a bipartisan effort to pass a $2 billion statewide homelessness bond to help provide housing for chronically homeless people with mental health issues. By some estimates, those who are homeless with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges make up as much as 90 percent of our chronically homeless population.
Would you support or oppose this statewide legislative effort for a $2 billion homeless bond to serve those with mental health issues?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* It is both our moral and a fiscal imperative to come together as a community to address the affordability of our state, city, and region. If we embrace a spirit of working together towards innovative solutions, we can create a ladder of opportunity that gives everyone a fair shot at stability and success. In addition to supporting this bond measure, I would urge the City to build on existing partnerships and develop new relationships with the nonprofit and private sectors to continue to explore and implement innovative projects like transitional housing, hotel/motel conversions, micro apartments, and regulated urban camping.
4. “E” – Education
Should San Jose increase the number of public “Charter Schools” to make quality education accessible to more low-income students?
* No
Why or why not?
* I do not believe that charter schools are the answer to our education challenges. I would prefer to focus attention on expanding investment in traditional public schools. Public education should be free from pre-school through undergraduate school in order to create equity across all demographics and give every person in our country an opportunity to receive a high-quality education. I also believe we must recruit, develop, and adequately support a new generation of teachers, and that we should compensate them at a level commensurate with the most respected occupations in our society, such as doctors, lawyers, and elected officials.
5. “E” – Environment & Energy
For the past 7 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group has been working with Save the Bay, the Bay Area Council and others to develop a funding plan to restore the Bay and to prepare our region for potential flooding that would jeopardize our Water Pollution Control Plant, public utilities, roads, and commercial, industrial and residential facilities, all below sea level. Would you support a $12 per year parcel tax in the 9-county Bay Area, with the 75-word ballot statement below:
San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.
To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* A key obstacle to taking action to protect against the impact of sea level rise is revenue. That’s why I have publicly endorsed this measure (AA on the June 7th ballot) and will be including it in my pitch to voters when talking about my own campaign. But this effort cannot and will not end with a ballot measure. Elected leaders and key stakeholders must continue to work together to develop comprehensive solutions to protect our existing environment, reduce impacts from climate change, and plan for preservation so that future generations are not saddled with mistakes of the past.
District 6 – Helen K. Chapman
1. “T” – Transportation
For the past 3 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s 400 member companies have been reaching out to the broader community about our willingness to help champion a November, 2016 transportation funding measure to provide congestion relief, transit options & street maintenance improvements throughout the 15 cities and towns in Santa Clara County. A transportation-specific measure, with accountability requirements, could be placed on the ballot by either the VTA or the County Board of Supervisors. From the perspective of the Leadership Group, a DRAFT 75-word Ballot Statement might read as follows:
“To Relieve Traffic, Repair Potholes; shall the Valley Transportation Authority enact a 30-year half-cent sales tax to:
• Repair Streets, Fix Potholes in all 15 Cities;
• Finish the BART Extension to Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara;
• Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety, especially near Schools;
• Increase CalTrain capacity, easing highway congestion and improving safety at crossings;
• Relieve traffic on all 9 Expressways and Key Highway Interchanges;
• Enhance Transit for Seniors, Students, Low-Income, Disabled;
Mandating Annual Audits by an Independent Citizens Watchdog Committee to ensure accountability.”
Would you support or oppose this ballot measure?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* I support the intent, but need the full details. With the proposed sales tax increases, San José may be reaching its state imposed local tax limit which puts us in a precarious position. The City’s fiscal sustainability cannot be diminished.
Conversations with residents have raised issues about the interconnectivity of the transit systems, especially in underserved and low-income areas. We need a VTA that is accessible and responsive to the needs of our community.
We must address all these items with a broad community engagement process. The priorities set by the Measure must be honored upon passage.
2. “T” – Transportation
High-Speed Rail: The High Speed Rail Authority’s revised business plan calls for their next segment to come from Fresno to San Jose, which would provide 220-mile per hour service to Downtown San Jose from Fresno (60 minutes), Merced (45 minutes) and Gilroy (15 minutes).
Would you support or oppose a High-Speed Rail Line to and through Downtown San Jose’s “Diridon Station,” by the SAP Arena, and under what conditions?
* Yes, I support High-Speed Rail to and through San Jose
Why or why not – and if yes, under what conditions?
* I was a participant in the discussions on High Speed Rail as a member of the Diridon Good Neighbor Committee, which worked on planning for the Station area. While supportive, my primary concern is District 6 and San José be heard throughout the process.
HSR will connect California, but not at the expense of our community. We need genuine open dialogues that produce meaningful input from the public, including looking at an underground tunnel as an alternative choice to bring HSR into San José. Consideration must be given to the supportive infrastructure, such as increased fire, police, and pedestrian traffic.
3. “H” – Housing & Homelessness
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is working with State Senate President Kevin de Leon on a bipartisan effort to pass a $2 billion statewide homelessness bond to help provide housing for chronically homeless people with mental health issues. By some estimates, those who are homeless with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges make up as much as 90 percent of our chronically homeless population.
Would you support or oppose this statewide legislative effort for a $2 billion homeless bond to serve those with mental health issues?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* Finding permanent and sustainable solutions for our residents in direr need is an utter necessity. I applaud SVLG & Senate President DeLeon for taking a lead with this bond. The mental health issues underlying the homeless crisis are all but certain.
Strong oversight is needed so we provide housing while also addressing supplementary services to address critical mental health issues. We need regional solutions to be included to engage comprehensive social services. We are working with people, not numbers. This bond could be a significant first step towards ending homelessness in our lifetime.
4. “E” – Education
Should San Jose increase the number of public “Charter Schools” to make quality education accessible to more low-income students?
* No
* Why or why not?
While I am supportive of including charter schools as part of providing quality education, they must not be the primary alternative to public schools. High enrollment turnover, lower test scores, and difficulties in maintaining quality education, are becoming too frequent a complaint with some charter schools. Our education oversight should be handled first by our local school boards.
We need to have more long-term successes and diversity from charter schools, which addresses special education needs. We must properly invest in education and our public schools. I will be an advocate for finding city opportunities to support our schools.
5. “E” – Environment & Energy
For the past 7 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group has been working with Save the Bay, the Bay Area Council and others to develop a funding plan to restore the Bay and to prepare our region for potential flooding that would jeopardize our Water Pollution Control Plant, public utilities, roads, and commercial, industrial and residential facilities, all below sea level. Would you support a $12 per year parcel tax in the 9-county Bay Area, with the 75-word ballot statement below:
San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.
To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* We have an environmental, moral and community responsibility to be tenacious stewards over our natural resources, especially as we face major concerns due to climate change.
It is important than San José has strong representation in the oversight of these funds. While sea-level rise will only impact a small portion of our city, we are the largest city in the Bay Area and hold the potential for being the biggest leaders for making real, pragmatic change for our sustainability. Our residents enjoy the beauty of the San Francisco Bay and will be proactive to preserve and protect it.
District 6 – Devora “Dev” Joan Davis
1. “T” – Transportation
For the past 3 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s 400 member companies have been reaching out to the broader community about our willingness to help champion a November, 2016 transportation funding measure to provide congestion relief, transit options & street maintenance improvements throughout the 15 cities and towns in Santa Clara County. A transportation-specific measure, with accountability requirements, could be placed on the ballot by either the VTA or the County Board of Supervisors. From the perspective of the Leadership Group, a DRAFT 75-word Ballot Statement might read as follows:
“To Relieve Traffic, Repair Potholes; shall the Valley Transportation Authority enact a 30-year half-cent sales tax to:
• Repair Streets, Fix Potholes in all 15 Cities;
• Finish the BART Extension to Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara;
• Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety, especially near Schools;
• Increase CalTrain capacity, easing highway congestion and improving safety at crossings;
• Relieve traffic on all 9 Expressways and Key Highway Interchanges;
• Enhance Transit for Seniors, Students, Low-Income, Disabled;
Mandating Annual Audits by an Independent Citizens Watchdog Committee to ensure accountability.”
Would you support or oppose this ballot measure?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* I will consider supporting the VTA sales tax if San Jose receives its fair share for street repair. San Jose needs to be able to address the backlog of street maintenance that it has accumulated from years of deferrals. Allocation of funds to each city should be based on population and miles of roads.
2. “T” – Transportation
High-Speed Rail: The High Speed Rail Authority’s revised business plan calls for their next segment to come from Fresno to San Jose, which would provide 220-mile per hour service to Downtown San Jose from Fresno (60 minutes), Merced (45 minutes) and Gilroy (15 minutes).
Would you support or oppose a High-Speed Rail Line to and through Downtown San Jose’s “Diridon Station,” by the SAP Arena, and under what conditions?
* Yes, I support High-Speed Rail to and through San Jose
Why or why not – and if yes, under what conditions?
* I will support high-speed rail to and through San Jose only if it can be constructed in a way that protects the integrity of all neighborhoods. In addition, it is important for the project to be built within the budget as it stands today, which is already higher than the original budget that was provided to voters. Further, any ongoing subsidies for operations should be phased out over time.
3. “H” – Housing & Homelessness
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is working with State Senate President Kevin de Leon on a bipartisan effort to pass a $2 billion statewide homelessness bond to help provide housing for chronically homeless people with mental health issues. By some estimates, those who are homeless with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges make up as much as 90 percent of our chronically homeless population.
Would you support or oppose this statewide legislative effort for a $2 billion homeless bond to serve those with mental health issues?
* No
Why or why not?
* I agree that much of the state needs more housing, and more mental health services need to be made available to everyone, including chronically homeless people. However, I am opposed to all state bond measures, because the state should not be crippling its future finances — and our children and grandchildren — by assuming more debt obligations to pay for new programs and services. Californians must pressure their legislators to pay for new programs out of general funds by cutting existing ineffective programs.
4. “E” – Education
Should San Jose increase the number of public “Charter Schools” to make quality education accessible to more low-income students?
* Yes
Why or why not?
*As an education policy analyst who specializes charter school research, I know that the research is clear: Low-income students have larger academic gains in charter schools than their traditional district school counterparts. District schools have to be all things to all students and have to abide by district-wide policy that may not be well-suited to all student populations. Charter schools have the autonomy to provide a specialized educational experience that has proven to be more successful in helping low-income students to learn.
5. “E” – Environment & Energy
For the past 7 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group has been working with Save the Bay, the Bay Area Council and others to develop a funding plan to restore the Bay and to prepare our region for potential flooding that would jeopardize our Water Pollution Control Plant, public utilities, roads, and commercial, industrial and residential facilities, all below sea level. Would you support a $12 per year parcel tax in the 9-county Bay Area, with the 75-word ballot statement below:
San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.
To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?
* Yes
Why or why not?
* The San Francisco Bay is a delicate ecosystem that makes our region’s Mediterranean climate possible. It is important to preserve, protect, and restore the Bay for future generations. In addition, given the projected rise in sea levels over the next several years, we must also ensure that we are prepared for the possibility of floods in our area.
District 6 – Erik Nicholas Fong
1. “T” – Transportation
For the past 3 years, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s 400 member companies have been reaching out to the broader community about our willingness to help champion a November, 2016 transportation funding measure to provide congestion relief, transit options & street maintenance improvements throughout the 15 cities and towns in Santa Clara County. A transportation-specific measure, with accountability requirements, could be placed on the ballot by either the VTA or the County Board of Supervisors. From the perspective of the Leadership Group, a DRAFT 75-word Ballot Statement might read as follows:
“To Relieve Traffic, Repair Potholes; shall the Valley Transportation Authority enact a 30-year half-cent sales tax to:
• Repair Streets, Fix Potholes in all 15 Cities;
• Finish the BART Extension to Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara;
• Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety, especially near Schools;
• Increase CalTrain capacity, easing highway congestion and improving safety at crossings;
• Relieve traffic on all 9 Expressways and Key Highway Interchanges;
• Enhance Transit for Seniors, Students, Low-Income, Disabled;
Mandating Annual Audits by an Independent Citizens Watchdog Committee to ensure accountability.”
Would you support or oppose this ballot measure?
* Yes (Support)
Why or why not?
* Transportation is a major area for improvement in San José and Silicon Valley, and a top issue in District 6. Our roads are in terrible shape — not just for cars, but also for pedestrians and our aging community. Additionally, we lack the infrastructure to support alternate forms of transportation like bike lanes. While much-needed road maintenance will fix our problems today, we need to invest in other forms of transportation, and the proposed tax will allow us to invest in our infrastructure without sacrificing other services that are covered through the general fund.
2. “T” – Transportation
High-Speed Rail: The High Speed Rail Authority’s revised business plan calls for their next segment to come from Fresno to San Jose, which would provide 220-mile per hour service to Downtown San Jose from Fresno (60 minutes), Merced (45 minutes) and Gilroy (15 minutes).
Would you support or oppose a High-Speed Rail Line to and through Downtown San Jose’s “Diridon Station,” by the SAP Arena, and under what conditions?
* Yes, I support High-Speed Rail to and through San Jose
Why or why not – and if yes, under what conditions?
* I support High-Speed Rail to and through San José’s Diridon Station as long as existing neighborhoods are respected and the transportation infrastructure is either above or below ground and doesn’t interrupt existing traffic flow. As previously mentioned, San José has major transportation shortcomings as the third largest city in California, and our city is expected to grow by 400,000 residents by the year 2040. High-Speed Rail is an important piece of the puzzle in alleviating congestion and improving quality of life for my residents in District 6.
3. “H” – Housing & Homelessness
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is working with State Senate President Kevin de Leon on