League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 6, 2007 Election
	William D. Ross Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Palo Alto

The questions were prepared by the the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. In light of the city of Palo Alto's budget deficit, how do you propose to increase city revenues and promote efficiency in city operations?

All sources of reimbursement from government sources, e.g., federal, state and regional should be periodically and continually reviewed to ensure that they are maximized. Particular concern should be given to the relationship with the State Budget because since the passage of Proposition 13 (1978) State expenditures have sometimes depended on transferring established local revenues. Existing employers should be encouraged to stay and expand where consistent with the General Plan. New businesses with sales tax potential which are consistent with the General Plan should be encouraged.

2. How would you propose to meet Palo Alto's requirements for housing, existing and potential retail, future infrastructure, and city services?

Meeting the City's requirements for housing involves consideration of existing economic conditions, and the changing requirements for affordable housing. Affordable housing should not be the sole responsibility of new development. Existing and potential retail businesses should be encouraged consistent with the General Plan after full input and consultation with those existing businesses and business organizations. Existing neighborhood businesses should be allowed to expand in a more efficient process to reduce unnecessary traffic outside the neighborhood. The phasing of replacement and improvement of City infrastructure should be periodically examined in the City Capital Improvement Plan, with increased reliance on Federal and State funding sources. Both operational and infrastructure budgets could be reduced with the elimination of consultant service contracts and the reliance on capable volunteers within the City to analyze those same issues.

3. Does Palo Alto have an obligation to consider regional needs with respect to a growing population, increasing diversity, and the importance of economic opportunity? If so, what proposals and plans would you support?

The City does have an obligation to consider regional needs for all the factors listed but only after the determination of its proportional share affordable housing is established as being fair. Palo Alto should not pull more than its share of what is required regionally. This balance can be maintained by City Council oversight and participation in regional agencies such as BCDC, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Protecting City interests requires Regional participation.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates in this race must limit their answers to 300 words total so that a paper Voters Guide may be published by LWV Palo Alto. After 8 p.m. on Sept. 12 word limits will no longer apply. 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 3, 2007 11:00
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