May 2, 2008

Council Countdown

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Just about a month to go before the primary election. Vote by Mail ballots will begin arriving in mailboxes the week of May 5 and it’s expected that many people will decide whom to cast their votes for before June 3.

District 8 candidates answered questions at the Villages May 1. The debate was hosted by the Republican and Democratic Clubs. Photo by Bill Bellou

There are 42,166 registered voters in District 8. Democrats outnumber Republicans 19,147 to 10,656. Voters who have requested to vote by mail total 24,251

If you want to vote by mail and haven’t signed up, you can request a ballot by calling 408.299.8683 or toll free 866.430.8683. The ballots can be returned prior to June 3 or turned in at the polls.

Many people like to go to the polls to experience a more personal feeling of participating in the election. See this week’s Street Talk for some views of voting preferences.

Sylvia Alvarez has dropped from the race due to a health problem. Her statement is on page 6. Seven candidates remain and it is unlikely that any one will receive enough votes to win outright; 50 percent plus one vote would be required. The two candidates with most votes will enter a runoff in the general election in November.

The first debate was held May 1 at the Villages, hosted by the Republican and Democratic Clubs. After each candidate spoke for a few minutes about background and reasons for wanting to represent District 8, the questions began. For the most part, the questions were general and the responses varied little.

The first question pertained to San Jose’s budget deficit and how candidates would help bring it into balance as is required. Fittingly, that was basically the same question posed in this week’s Council Countdown.

Perhaps it’s the lack of experience in running for office that is shared by them all, but the responses were general and of little substance. Some spoke of finding ways to be more efficient, collaboration, hold meetings to talk about the problem, a long-term vision, desire to not raise taxes but not cut services either. In other words, few answers of immediate help to the problem. Read the unedited responses to determine if you think the candidates have viable solutions.

Note also that some do not wish to update financial contributions or respond to all questions. You can decide what that means.

The next debate will be Saturday starting at 2:30 p.m. in the Evergreen Valley High School auditorium.Maybe the experience of the first debate will help the candidates focus on meaningful responses.

There will also be an opportunity to meet and greet the candidates at Silver Creek Valley Country Club on May 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call (408) 239-5888 for reservations.

Questions:

1.The City is facing a budget deficit. The only way to balance it is to consider raising revenue and/or cutting expenses. What TWO ways would you propose to increase revenue? And what TWO programs would you recommend for reduction?

2. Update fundraising as of April 28.

3. What method do you find most effective for getting out your messages to voters: Direct mail, debates, advertisements or walking precincts?

Minh Duong, 30
Response to question: For now, consider cutting expenditures NOT programs. Optimize city staff efficiency. Set budgeting principles to prevent future deficit problem. City needs to be business-friendly and supportive to prevent tax revenue leakage by attracting businesses to come and stay here. Increasing business activities will improve city fee-based and tax revenue.

Fundraising Status: $ 66,390

Method most effective to reach voters: Walking Precincts

Rose Herrera, 54
Response to Question: Ultimately we must attract new jobs and help companies already doing business in San Jose to grow, thus increasing tax dollars that come back to the City for reinvestment into programs and services for our neighborhoods. My work to replace the market and re-vitalize Evergreen Village Square is a good example of how providing improved retail options in San Jose will keep our sales tax dollars local and improve our budget situation. More immediately, implementing a rigorous Asset Management Program can save us up to $5 million. The City has a large number of under-utilized or leased-out assets and we need to ensure that we're receiving fair market value. Also, extending the Emergency Communication Support System fee, which would generate more than $23 million, is one option that should be further studied.

Service reductions must reflect community values and priorities, and no program service reductions should be advanced until community stakeholders have been fully heard. However, public safety and basic neighborhood services must be maintained. One option is to study the feasibility of shifting the Construction & Conveyance Tax funding from capital projects to operation & maintenance until the economy rebounds, which would save $6-$12 million.

Fundraising Status: $ 57,000

Method most effective to reach voters: It is always best to talk directly to the voters.

Galvin Jackson
Response to Question: I’ll look at all fiscal possibilities with the tremendous experience I’ve prepared myself with to serve District 8 in balancing budgets.  I’d work the city auditor and other financial experts like the Solimar Research Group scrutinizing where and how we presently spend money and how we should plan our expansions, including the ABAG suggestions of last week. You’ll cast your vote for me because we know that most often the youth and seniors, the people who rely on public services, are not well represented.  If we cut services, or spend precious money, these decisions should accommodate our evolving responses to current problems with long-term visions and wisdom.  Our senior citizens and our youth, our legacies and our futures, need the power of my vote to preserve the services they depend upon now, and those we will need in the future.

Fundraising Status: Did not respond

Method most effective to reach voters: Did not respond

Van Le, 49
Response to Question: The only way to balance it is to increase revenue through: 1- renew 911 fee, 2- examine business license fee, 3- support economic development projects which generate sales taxes. Two ways that I propose to increase revenue are: 1- Support City Manager proposals for departmental budget for 10% reduction, except police and fire @ 2%, 2- Delay Cost of Living Adjustment for employees to 1% and keep new hires to a minimum
Fundraising Status: I shall update you after my fundraising event at May 4.

Method most effective to reach voters: I find most effective for getting out my messages to voters is direct mail and media coverage.

Craig Mann, 48
Response to Question: Budget deficits are not just problems but opportunities. We must focus city government on delivering basic core services like police fire and street maintenance effectively.  Opportunities to work with schools, county government and special districts to eliminate duplicative services and most efficiently serve our joint constituencies must also be examined.

Fundraising status: The last required public report (March 24, 2008) as required by the City of San Jose showed $48,000 cash on hand to include $20,000 of which I loaned to my campaign. May 22, 2008 is the next required public reporting date. I am well on track to funding a successful campaign.

Method most effective to reach voters: Most successful candidates reach voters in a multitude of ways to include direct mail, walking precincts, public forums, etc. So, it is not one or the other, but instead a varied approach.

Lan Nguyen, 38
Response to Question: The City should be creative in to generating additional revenue. Other cities tried to attract businesses by creating short-term tax incentives for corporations to come to do business in their cities. San Jose should look at doing something similarly. Another way to increase revenue is to have a fee increase in City’s facilities usage. I would not recommend that the City reduce its essential services unless we absolutely have to. One way to cope with the budget is to streamline management/administrative staff. We should also reduce the number of managers that manage other program managers.

Fundraising Status: $37,000

Method most effective to reach voters: Walking precincts and direct mails.

Patrick Waite, 50
Response to Question: For years, politicians have tried the same approach to budget problems: raise taxes and cut services. I entered this race because I believe there are better ways to resolve our issues. Using my experience with large, complex budgets, I will foster innovative reductions in wasteful spending without reducing important services.

Fundraising Status: As of 4/27: $60,000

Method most effective to reach voters: The most effective is a long history of community involvement that creates a good network of people who know your message.