League of Women Voters of California
Santa Clara County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
	Mary Lou Zoglin Answers Questions Candidate for Councilmember; City of Mountain View

The questions were prepared by the Los Altos - Mountain View League of Women Voters and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. How would you address the long term fiscal needs of the city?

The city's tax base must be strengthened in two ways: 1) convince the state to return property taxes diverted during its budget crisis and 2) diversify the city's retail (especially downtown) and business/industrial base. Any increases in user fees (garbage, water) required by rising costs should be small so as not to strain residents' budgets. Ample reserves must be maintained, and all budgeting must be done with an eye to the future: what will the cost of this program be in five years and can we change or eliminate it without causing major public harm?

2. How should the city address its needs for affordable housing?

The city must work with its neighbors to find a regional solution to this regional problem. I am working with several county and regional organizations to address affordable housing issues. Mountain View itself should step up its initiatives to preserve subsidized housing (particularly for seniors) and to leverage funds from all sources to build the very low cost housing that the private sector does not provide. Public safety and school employees should be able to live in Mountain View. Moffett Field should provide housing as part of its new development strategy. New building should be located near public transit and shopping and services to minimize added traffic.

3. What is the most important challenge facing Mountain View and how would you address it?

The challenge for Mountain View is to respond to the population pressure caused by the Valley's economic success while preserving the quality of life and respecting the environmental values that make people want to live here. To maintain the proper balance, the Council must assure that all voices are heard at City Hall, through neighborhood meetings and associations, outreach workers contacting residents directly, working with local organizations, and using telephone, e-mail, and other electronic means. We must plan for the future by helping young people use out-of-school hours for homework, recreation, and community work rather than gangs, drugs, and violent and illegal activities.