League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA June 7, 2005 Election
	Ed Voss Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of San Jose; Council District 7

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of San Jose-Santa Clara and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. What kind of experience related to city government would you bring to the City Council?

I am the only candidate in this race with the unique combination of years of experience and leadership that includes being the past president of my neighborhood association, gaining an in-depth knowledge of our people and the civic culture of this District. My experience as a County Planning Commissioner since 1999 gives me a broader perspective and knowledge of how county and citywide land-use issues impact District 7. I have the experience and local knowledge to improve our community. I will ensure we receive our fair share of city services and I will work with our residents to improve our neighborhoods.

2. What are the concerns of particular importance to District 7 and how would you address them?

1. Safe Neighborhoods - The recent gang-related homicides took place in the Santee area of District 7, and we also have several other `hot spots' of serious concern in our District. This setting brings attention to our critical need for effective deployment of Police patrols, Gang suppression and abatement programs, and other community programming. I think the "specialty programs" currently being recommended for elimination by the City Manager's office need to be maintained. In fact, I believe budget cuts should not begin with those direct service programs where city employees interact directly with the public. Such programs include police and fire services, parks and recreation services, non-administrative staff in the planning department, etc. Rather, the city should seek to save dollars by starting cuts in administrative and overhead type positions, such as City Managers staff.

With important upcoming decisions housing density, development and increased density in Coyote Valley, Evergreen and elsewhere, we must have a commitment adequately meeting increased demand for police and fire services, infrastructure management, and maintenance, parks and recreation services. Decision makers must insure that residential, industrial and commercial expansion does not decrease or erode current levels of service in District seven and other council districts.

2. Streets and traffic - San Jose has a significant investment in our roads and traffic control systems. That investment has not yielded an acceptable return to District 7 because the maintenance and management of our traffic systems has not been a high priority. This problem is evident throughout San José, but is reaching a dangerous level in District 7.

3. Supporting our youth - I know how important our Homework Centers, After School programs and other activities are to our youth. Kids are most vulnerable to getting into trouble from the time school lets out to 5PM, when working parents begin arriving home from work. The dollars provided by San José BEST grants for these programs are efficiently used, and much cheaper than the inevitable increase in law enforcement deployment, graffiti abatement and other costs which will confront us without these vital programs for our kids.