Mercury News Candidate Questionnaire

By Karen Hardy

Questions and Answers for the Mercury News Editorial Board

Have you had any ethics training? Attended any campaign workshops?

I have had ethics training as a city commissioner, in the Santa Clara Leadership Course and the current campaign workshop for city candidates.

What have you done to make sure those working on your behalf conduct themselves appropriately?

I manage my campaign's volunteers. I have assigned two volunteers to oversee ethics - one for conduct and materials, the other for my website. My campaign, by design, has no paid consultants. It is staffed entirely by Santa Clara residents.

How do you plan to respond to a last minute "hit piece" against you? What will you do if a third party sends a hit piece on your behalf?

I would respond at the last candidate forum televised on Nov 1 with correct information to help clear up any "hit piece" against me, contact all media outlets and call voters personally to set the record straight. Santa Clara has an unfortunate history of these tactics. Because of my opposition to subsidies for professional sports franchises, and since this will be a major issue in the campaign, I fully anticipate a last minute hit piece. As a past President of Santa Clarans for Political Integrity and Ethics, the community group credited with exposing former Council member Jim Arno who was subsequently convicted for serious violations of the Political Reform Act, and my reputation and service to Santa Clara, a "hit piece" against my campaign should backfire on its perpetrators.

PERFORMANCE IN OFFICE

Describe your experience in and knowledge of the governmental or educational unit for which you are seeking election. I have served as a Commissioner for the city for ten years; first on the Historical & Landmarks Commissioner for five years and currently as a Planning Commissioner for the past five years, having chaired the Planning Commission from 2003-04. I also completed the Santa Clara Leadership Course + class of 2004.

What are the three most important issues facing the jurisdiction in which you are seeking election?

1. Fiscal responsibility.
2. Ensuring our City does not backslide into corruption and sweetheart deals contrary to Santa Clara's best interests.
3. Preserving and expanding housing opportunities.

If elected, what would you do about these issues?

1. Fiscal responsibility. Avoid speculative expenditures. No subsidies of professional sports in Santa Clara. Unlike my opponents I have not promised binding arbitration to the firefighters and police unions at the expense of receiving their endorsement. In these challenging financial times the city manager and negotiators must be given maximum flexibility over all budgetary matters including salaries for special interest groups within city government.

2. Backsliding into corruption and sweetheart deals. Avoid the tendency to be "clubby" with your fellow council members. There is a distinction between being a consensus builder and carrying out one's duties to the residents of our city. I shall always choose the latter. If others follow my example, the two goals of consensus building and protecting the true interests of Santa Clara residents should not be incompatible.

3. Housing Opportunites In my tenure as a Planning Commissioner I have supported legalization of accessory units, infill housing, higher density in new developments, apartments built to condominium standards, increasing the percentage of Redevelopments funds for affordable housing from 20% to 30% and developer contributions of 10% affordable units in developments of ten units or more. My positions encountered the wrath, variously, of neighbors or developers. Sometimes my votes were successful, and sometimes not. I carry with me the commitment that our children should have the opportunity to live in the City where they grew up. I will take that commitment with me to the City Council.

Briefly, explain why you are the best candidate for the office for which you are seeking election.

1. I am clear on the issues important in this election. NO subsidies for professional sports. NO backroom deals. YES on creative opportunities to add to Santa Clara's affordable housing stock.

2. I am the more experienced candidate. Ten Years as a City Commissioner, a leader in the successful effort blocking a card room in Santa Clara and President of an organization credited with removal of a corrupt City Council Member. All, as a volunteer who has demonstrated, by my deeds, my commitment to good government in Santa Clara.