The questions were prepared by the The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Modesto and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on Reducing Expenses, Affordable Housing, Ethics in Office

Click on a name for other candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from Bev Finley:

I've had significant experience working within tight budgets. When I began as Scenic General Hospital CEO, I faced a projected $3-6 million budget deficit.. Instead, in the fiscal year's second half, we netted a $580,000 profit. This was achieved through combined efforts of physicians, employees, volunteers and the Foundation. This can be done in the City. I don't advocate mandating fixed percentage departmental reductions. It's better if management, employees and elected officials evaluate City business practices. They need to evaluate given department/service mandates to develop a baseline of services and how they're provided. Mandated and discretionary services need to be evaluated on how they might be delivered more cost effectively while improving quality of services. In the process, new partnerships within and/or external to departments should be explored to seek efficiencies. This includes development of an employee suggestion reward.

Answer from Jim Ridenour:

City executives and top management should be awarded minimal pay increases and no increases in level of benefits. Collective bargaining units should be awarded pay and benefits in accordance with contractual agreements.

All unnecessary travel, meal and entertainment expenditures should be eliminated for city management and elected officials.

Use of consultants, temporary workers and contract staff should be evaluated.

Answer from Jim Ridenour:

The City needs to make sure it is, 1) receiving all of the state and federal funding for which it is eligible and 2) allowing businesses to provide afforadable housing yet still make a profit. With that as our foundation, we then need to form partnerships with other government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses and community members to maximize use of our funding, land and other resources.

Answer from Bev Finley:

Modesto must focus on a planned. growth strategy that addresses the issue of affordable housing as a major component Incentives for construction of affordable housing can be met through City redevelopment/Housing Authority/etc. funding streams. Homeowners can be assisted through City/State down payment programs. The issue of inadequate affordable housing affects middle and low income families. Accompanying all growth must be development of infrastructure to support and service growth: schools, parks, roads, police and fire safety.

Answer from Jim Ridenour:

Only city employees, not elected officials, should be issued credit cards. Those cards should have a reasonable spending limit, used only for city business and audited regularly.

Answer from Bev Finley:

Given abuses reported in the media, it seems appropriate to restrict use of credit cards for travel. Travel costs can be reimbursed upon submission of appropriate receipts for legitimate expenses. Modesto's problem has occurred through inadequate oversight, lax policies and an attitude of entitlement by officials. Credit card statements should be reviewed by staff to ensure compliance with policy prior to payment. Accountability to City policy must be insured by elected officials and employees. It must be demonstrated that use of city funds is appropriately monitored.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.