League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA June 3, 2008 Election
	Ignacio De La Fuente Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Oakland; Council District 5

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

Questions & Answers

1. Since the biweekly schedule for council and council committee meetings often significantly limits the time available for public input, what changes would you make to give the public real opportunities to give input and to feel that their input is valued?

Public input into policy and funding matters is extremely important for democracy. With my 30 years of work as a labor activist, I appreciate the diversity of views in Oakland also the passion with which people speak up for what they believe. Due to the high volume of legislative matters discussed in City Council and Committee meetings, time is often shorter than everyone would like for public speakers. We abide by the Rules of Procedure of the City Council: clerkwebsvr1.oaklandnet.com/attachments/9830.pdf.

I believe it is important that we continue to receive substantive public input at city council meetings, l committee meetings, commission meetings and public meetings held in neighborhoods. We must also be a 21st century city and hear from people who are too unable to come to a meeting in person - through email, phone and text.

I hold myself and staff to the highest standards of accountability and service to everyone in District 5. I am available for input and to be held accountable in the following ways: 1) I am available through my Council office. I have many meetings with constituents and stakeholders at their request. I am available over email (idelafuente@oaklandnet.com) and by phone (238-7005). 2) I live in the heart of the Fruitvale and District 5. I am frequently in public and local businesses. I usually take the time to speak with those who approach me about their concerns and ideas. 3) I regularly attend community meetings including Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council meetings, and school and park meetings. 4) I am available at all City Council meetings and Committee meetings and members of the public regularly come to these meetings to hold me accountable.

2. What is your assessment of the City's present records management program and how would you change it?

Excellent Public Records management is fundamental to conducting the public's businesses in a responsible, transparent and intelligent way. The City's present records management program, managed by the City Clerk, has improved tremendously.We've made progress getting current records (since about 2002) available on line but we are far from where we should be for a public agency given the technology available to us. It is frustrating not to find resolutions or other records on line or at the records counter when you need them. It's inefficient for city staff doing research and a disservice to the public. I would continue to support funding for the City Clerks automation programs.

3. How might the City work more effectively with the School District?

Although governance of the Oakland Unified School District does not fall under the City's purview, our work is one and the same: to provide the best environment possible for our children to grow and succeed. Leaders in both organizations have a responsibility to put political and policy differences aside and work together for children. At a policy level, the City can and should coordinate services with OUSD such as safety, afterschool programs and recreation facilities. An example of this is what we accomplished at the Cesar Chavez Education Center in the Fruitvale - thanks to a partnership between the City and School district you can find families playing sports until 9pm every night. As council members, it is incumbent on us to direct resources to schools and do what we can to support our principals and parents. From new play structures, gardens, lockers and lighting, I have helped improve individual school campuses and will continue to do so as needs arise, like what we accomplished together at Brewer Middle School. Safety is another area we can collaborate: Oakland Police serve our schools, work with truants and the City also takes the lead in pedestrian safety near schools and dealing with nuisance properties near schools. As leaders, we must make communicating and solving safety problems around schools a priority. Every day of a child is precious.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' answers are presented as submitted.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: June 2, 2008 20:35
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