League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 7, 2006 Election
	Gary Cerezo Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Milpitas

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

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

As a former career Naval Officer and Navy pilot, I offer 26 years of leadership and management experience. I have worked with people and large organizations from the "deck plates" of a ship and aviation squadron to shore installations. Additionally, I offer extensive international experience having worked with NATO, foreign embassies and militaries.

From 1999 to 2001 I served as the Officer in Charge of San Clemente Island (http://www.scisland.org). I was responsible for the operation and administration of this remote island and conducted port and airfield operations that directly supported training requirements for our military personnel. I lead the efforts of 185 personnel while working closely with 17 different organizations that included Military Police, Federal Fire Department, Naval Public Works, and Natural Resources. Throughout my tenure I fostered a climate of cooperation among the various commands, military, civilian and contract personnel that represented a wide range of interests.

From 2001-2005 I was stationed in Naples, Italy. I was in the Plans and Policy Division, Maritime Component Command of NATO. The position required considerable tact, diplomacy and sensitivity to other nations' concerns. I worked closely with the eleven different nations represented on issues from NATO personnel and structure reorganization to post 9-11 security issues in Europe. I was also involved with the NATO Partnership for Peace Program and traveled to Romania and Ukraine.

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

Two issues immediately come to mind. They are the budget deficit and lack of collaboration within the current council to resolve our most pressing problems. The General Fund Five Year Forecast that takes Milpitas to 2011 projects budget deficits totaling 15.65 million dollars. It is imperative that Milpitas adopts measures to control all spending and prioritize funded and unfunded requirements.

The City Council must communicate honestly and concisely the budget challenges facing the city. Bickering and hope are not methods for resolving our cities problems. Open dialogue, respect for the facts and placing the community's long-term interests above self and special interest will benefit all citizens of Milpitas.

3. How would you balance the needs of the City as a whole with groups' interests?

Each issue must be judged on its merits and how it affects the community as a whole. There must be balance in weighing the community needs and group needs. Decisions must be made for what is best for the long-term financial health, safety and well being of the community.

To further balance the city's needs we must listen attentively to our citizens. We must be open to varying viewpoints and review the facts rigorously no matter how painful or contentious the issue. We must also respectful the views of those Council members involved in the decision making process.

Council members must avail themselves to the public. Issues must be communicated to the public with candor and honesty. Clearly, this was not the case regarding the failed Charter City initiative. Only when the public has faith in its municipal leaders will we be able to provide the best possible solutions and services for our community.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 4, 2006 21:47
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