League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Linda J. LeZotte Answers Questions Candidate for Director; Santa Clara Valley Water District; Division 4

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 are the three top issues facing the Water District, and what are some of the solutions you believe will address the problems?

The frailty of the Delta ecosystem and infrastructure, climate change and flood protection. We must engage in the statewide discussion and demonstrate leadership with regard to water reliability, Delta stability and long term planning for infrastructure needs. I would request an asset audit to determine the long range needs of the Water District, with regard to repairs, maintenance, refurbishing and replacement of assets. I would expand the water recycling system and conservation efforts.

2. What experience and training do you have which would help the Water District meet its goals?

Over 16 years as a San Jose Planning Commissioner and Councilmember I have led many of the environmental policy discussions and enactments around sustainable development and resource management, including the riparian corridor policy, recycled water expansion and green building policies for the City and other Santa Clara valley cities through the Cities Association and the Green Building Council of SVLG. Additionally as a former councilmember I have managed and implemented my Council budget ($.25M) and City budget ($3.4B) as well as the Redevelopment Agency Budget. I have policy making experience and financial experience both publically and privately to deal with the Water District's $315M budget.

3. How will you balance your constituents needs and interests with residential, agricultural and business needs of entire county while safeguarding the environment?

While we are elected by District, I believe we must look at the regional perspective as well. Environmental issues and the duties as a Director do not stop at our respective district boundaries. Advocacy for my constituents would begin with the sense of equity and the uniqueness of the watershed, water utility and support services required by District 4. Underlying all of the decisions, especially capital improvements, is the need to address the environmental concerns associated with flood control measures, creek and stream restoration and trail construction. I support the District's view to build its capital improvements in an environmentally sustainable manner.

4. What is your evaluation of the financial condition of the Water District and how would you ensure that maintenance of infrastructures remains a priority?

The financial condition of the SCVWD is currently sound; however like all enterprises which rely on Federal and State funding, property taxes, water production charges and bonds to name a few revenue sources, we must have sound expenditure plans which recognize the instability in these revenue sources. Long range planning, with annual or more frequent reviews are critical to maintain financial stability.

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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. Answers must not refer directly or indirectly to another candidate.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 22, 2010 13:11
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