League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Greg David Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Mountain View

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 life long resident I bring the unique experience of having seen Mountain View change and evolve over many years. Decisions made by the council have effects that last for generations and it benefits me to have seen the outcome, good and bad, from previous council actions. In addition, my educational and career history are highly suited to tasks faced by the city council.

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

One of the foremost issues facing the city is maintaining a balanced budget. Previous councils have succeeded in achieving a balance, but an uncertain economy requires that future council members be diligent in finding ways to reduce costs and maintain essential services within the constraints of the city revenues. I do not support additional taxes or fee increases beyond what is reasonable based on inflation. The city needs to adjust spending accordingly without placing an additional burden on residents.

3. What would your general policy be with respect to maintaining current levels of service during these difficult economic times?

In general, essential services such as public safety and maintenance of city property should remain a top priority, but even those areas could stand for a bit of review to ensure that city funds are being utilized in the best way. A comprehensive review of all city expenditures, including city employee costs, should be made so that a balanced budget can be maintained without detrimental effects to both essential and discretionary city services.

4. What changes do you want to see between the current General Plan and the revision now in progress? Some issues that have been brought forth by the community and the current Council and the Grand Boulevard initiative, environmental sustainability, inclusivity in the City's population and access to essential services for people who don't drive.

Smart growth is essential for Mountain View. It must be well planned and beneficial to the 'existing' residents and not just those new to the city. Strategically placed high density development is important, but it must be implemented in a realistic fashion that does not harm the nature of our older low density neighborhoods. I support the development and improvement of transit options, walkability, and cycling routes, as long as they are realistic and do not attempt to regulate or mandate residents out of their cars. I believe we can achieve a balance that will be embraced by both environmentally progressive residents and those who are bit more traditional in their views.

---

Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. Answers must not refer directly or indirectly to another candidate.

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

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
SmartVoter Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter

---

Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 8, 2010 11:40
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://www.lwvc.org
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.