The questions were prepared by the the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Experience, District, Projects

Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from Linda J. LeZotte:

As City Councilmember representing 87,000 residents for the last seven years, I have fought every day to get things done as an independent voice of leadership. Working together with honesty and hard work, our accomplishments have improved the quality of life not only in San Jose, but also for residents of Campbell and Santa Clara

My accomplishments include: Leading the charge for the Children's Health Initiative to expand health insurance to every child in Santa Clara County; Consistently voting against the NorCal garbage contract and calling for an investigation as I have always fought for fiscal accountability and responsible spending of public funds; Ensuring educational funding to support homework centers in every local elementary and middle school - a West San Jose youth center will be completed by year's end; Working to alleviate regional traffic congestion as Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee and ensuring transit accessibility for seniors and the disabled; Creating housing that working families can afford by supporting quality housing developments near jobs citywide.

Answer from Ken Yeager:

My entire adult life has been committed to goal of improving the quality of life for my community and my neighbors. Over the years my work toward this goal has lead me to advocate for improved child care opportunities for our children, educate students as a professor at San Jose State University and Trustee on the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District, fight for civil rights in our community, and work with my neighbors to improve our quality of life as president of my neighborhood association.

After many years as a community leader and educator, I decided to run for a seat on the San Jose City Council. For the past 6 years on the city council, I have continued my work to improve the quality of life for all San Jose residents and create a positive climate for our businesses to operate. Improving city services, renovating parks and libraries, increasing the supply of rental and for sale housing, improving local schools, and making neighborhoods safer have all been at the top of my list of priorities.

Answer from Ken Yeager:

The major issues in my community include:

• Improving the quality of education in local schools
• Providing affordable healthcare
• Strenghtening the local economy and create jobs
• Ensuring top notch public safety departments
• Establishing ethics and open government laws
• Protecting the environment and open space

Answer from Linda J. LeZotte:

Youth An investment in our children is the soundest investment we can make in our community. Our efforts to keep youth away from gangs, drugs and violence have, and always will, remain a priority for me. I have funded homework centers in every elementary and middle school in my City Council District and plans are in the works for a youth center to break ground by year's end. From our new tot-lots, to our improved parks, to our annual Music in the Park Festival, efforts to keep San Jose the safest city in California will begin with a commitment to programming for our youth---and I have made that commitment.

Seniors I have always felt that our seniors, who have spent their lives building the system, must remain a priority in the system. As liaison to the Senior and Disability Advisory Commission, I joined with others to successfully advocate against the draconian cuts to senior and disabled services by the Valley Transportation Agency. I have provided additional funding for the SeniorNet computer classes so seniors can learn to keep in steady contact with family members through e-mail, and learn that the internet is fun for all ages. Our aging population is the fastest growing, and as such, our commitment to our seniors must be steadfast----and I have made that commitment.

Transportation

While in office it has been a privilege to work on air quality and transportation issues. I have always felt that the two were inextricably linked, and were ripe for regional collaboration. That is why I have been pleased to have worked hard, both locally and regionally, on transportation planning. I have served as: Vice Chair of the City's Transportation committee; a member of the League of California Cities Transportation committee; on the VTA policy advisory committee (past chair); Vasona and Downtown/East Valley Light Rail policy boards; and Association of Bay Area Governments board and ABAG's Interregional Partnership Policy committee. Transportation raises many complex issues, and requires a commitment to listening, and understanding, all of our stakeholder interests----and I have made that commitment.

Environment

Finally, our natural resources are regional treasures, and therefore require a collaborative approach. Simply put, our water and air don't know when they are leaving San Jose. As an advocate for the environment, it has been my privilege to champion the City of San Jose Green Building Program, the County Green Business Program, our sustainable city and environmentally friendly purchasing policies in the City. District One's West Valley Library is the first certified "green" library in the world as well as being recognized as a "green" business by Santa Clara County. A commitment to treat our natural resources with care requires a vision, and a willingness, to work across traditional borders to produce an ethic of regional stewardship--- and I have made that commitment.

Answer from Ken Yeager:

Santa Clara County is at a critical crossroads in terms of quality of life and economic stability. Unless we find a better way to educate our population with 21st century skills, make healthcare and housing affordable and nurture a new era of economic development and innovation, we run the risk of getting left behind other areas of the United States and the global marketplace.

Answer from Linda J. LeZotte:

I am running for Supervisor because I am committed to solving the housing, transportation, quality education and social service needs facing our residents. Visit http://www.lindalezotte.com for more information on my campaign.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.