League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA June 6, 2006 Election
	Linda J. LeZotte Answers Questions Candidate for County Supervisor; County of Santa Clara; Supervisorial District 4

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What experience and training would you bring to this office?

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.

2. What are the particular needs of your District?

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.

3. On what projects should the Board of Supervisors concentrate?

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.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League. 

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: April 18, 2006 23:27
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