League of Women Voters of California
Santa Clara County, CA November 5, 2002 Election
	Rosiland Bivings Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Mountain View; 4 Year Term

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Altos/Mtn. View Area and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. Do you see any links between local traffic congestion and cuts in public transit services, "help wanted" signs and insufficient low cost housing? If so, what might the Council do to improve the situation?

It is important that we provide housing that is accessible to all who desire to live and work in Mountain View. Finding and providing housing is the link with all of the issues that we face for the future. We have forced people to seek affordable housing outside of their work region thus contributing to traffic congestion. We have not provided efficient and effective transportation that takes people where they need to go. Providing employment that provides a living wage for workers is a key element in tying housing, transportation and traffic congestion together. Until we can solve all collectively, the community will continue to face these issues.

2. What specific concerns, if any, do you have about the recommendations in the NASA Ames Development Plan which was released in late July?

The concerns are with the balance of jobs versus housing. The project will potentially add over 7,000 new jobs to the Mountain View Community. However, only 1,900 units of housing are scheduled. This impact will not only effect existing housing, but City services and traffic issues associated with this type of development.

3. As a Councilmember, how would you bring together members of the community to address local issues?

In my experience, residents have addressed issues that only affected their own neighborhood or them personally. It is vital that all residents understand that what affects one resident, affects all residents. As a councilmember, my charge would be to have the community understand this and become involved in a process that interlocks neighborhoods and residents for the good of all.