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The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Experience,
Concerns,
Balancing Needs
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What experience related to city government would you bring to the City Council?
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Answer from Burton Craig:
This is my first public office.
Answer from A. Curtis Wright:
As incumbent, four years of City Council experience (one as Mayor). Was successful in helping solve very difficult, divisive and long standing issues: led adoption of a compromise historical ordinance, led four city effort in recovery of TEA funds from the County (resulting in a 15% increase in City revenue), led compromise basement ordinance, led consideration of annexation of County pockets.
Answer from JoAnn Olvera Trembath:
I have had extensive administrative experience. In education, I supervised multiple compensatory education projects that were both state and federally funded. The guidelines, as well as the restrictions of these monies, always made for challenging decision making and accountability.
I like working in the community and did so while my children were in the local school system. Also, I have worked extensively with theatre groups with outreach programs for local schools. In addition, I worked with Diablo Light Opera Company in overseeing all the "happenings" in the company, and served as its president and chairman of the board.
I know what it is to take on administrative tasks, know the responsibility of sound decision making, and, however difficult, know how to make unpopular decisions. I believe that public officials all have the obligation to serve the greater good. Elected officials have a responsibility to their constituents to do the best job possible, remain accessible, be fair, and be vigilent.
Monte Sereno is a solid community. I love my surroundings, my neighbors and the feeling I get when walking around the city. I hope that we will always have a safe environment and continue to have city officials who will always look out for our best interests.
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2. What concerns are of particular importance to the city and how would you address them?
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Answer from JoAnn Olvera Trembath:
There are a number of pending issues. The General Plan needs to be revisited. This is an exciting project which provides a good opportunity to look into the future needs and desires of the community. This is a chance to conduct a needs assessment to see what the community wants.
Annexation is a very important on-going issue which requires further study and careful decision making.
Answer from Burton Craig:
I am concerned that the city has raised the barriers for home improvement so high that the residents have become very frustrated. Simple improvements that do not materially affect the neighborhood or the community should be allowed to proceed without all the obstacles the city has put in place. This has increased the customer support burden on the city. I will work the city more responsive to its residents. More information should be made via the Internet. I will also ensure that our street become safer for pedestrians.
Answer from A. Curtis Wright:
Rewriting of general plan, integration of County pockets, Highway nine corridor issues. Work with citizen groups (I helped found the Citizens for Highway 9 -- they did the work) and foundation to raise money for Highway 9 (we were already successful in getting grant money for a bike lane), hold citizen/cultural committee workshops on principles for the General plan.
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3. How would you balance the needs of the City as a whole with groups' interests?
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Answer from A. Curtis Wright:
Negotiation. Consideration of the founding principles of the city. Compromise.
I was successful in walking this tightrope on several issues.
Answer from Burton Craig:
The city's needs are the residents needs. This is most important idea the city needs to operate by. The city needs to listen to its citizens and act according to their will. It need to become more flexible in how it handles the applications for home improvements.
Answer from JoAnn Olvera Trembath:
There are statutes, codes, and regulations that provide guidelines. In those instances where the law is not sufficiently specific or clear, one must interpret the intent of the enacting legislative bodies and fairly interpret the purpose and meaning of such laws. Wherever possible and appropriate, a balancing process should be utilized, comparing the legitimate needs of the community as a whole with group and individual property rights. In doing so,I would do my utmost to insure equal application of the law and its enforcement. Special interest groups should not be given any greater consideration than anyone else.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
