Candidate for
Council Member; City of Santa Clara; Seat 5

Political Philosophy - Let me share with you my thoughts about the purpose of government. Good government both guides and follows, providing insight and wisdom and at the same time reflecting the true and measured will of the people. Good government is grounded in honesty, worthy of trust, guilty of prudence, capable of inspiration. Good government challenges its constituents to be greater than they are. Good government meets needs that otherwise would remain unmet. Good government is open and understandable, welcoming and approachable, reflective and calm. I will help make Santa Clara's a model of good government for all.

What do l want to accomplish as City Councilmember? I am dedicated to keeping our City a safe, comfortable, attractive place to live, work, raise a family, and grow old. My Council priorities include:

1. Building an even stronger bond between the City and the school district. The link between the SCUSD and the City of Santa Clara is strong and productive. I can make it even stronger. (See Position Paper #1 for more.)

2. Achieving a balanced budget while protecting reserves. We have had four years of deficit budgets and heavy use of reserves. Projections for 2007-2010 foretell more difficult years ahead. We must continue to look for ways to increase revenue and decrease expenditures - and still maintain the high level of service Santa Clara has always enjoyed. (See Position Paper #2 for more.)

3. Balancing the need for housing, especially affordable housing, with the need to maintain open space. One of the most important issues facing our city made even more difficult by the necessity to protect the quality of life in neighborhoods across our City. This critical dual need appears conflicted. I maintain it is not. (See Postion Paper #3 for more)

4. Making sure City emergency personnel are trained and equipped to deal with catastrophic events and linking our citizens with available emergency training opportunities. We should continue to pursue our share of Homeland Security funding and provide fire and police staff and citizens opportunities to field test procedures, equipment, and readiness in live simulations. (see http://www.joekornder.org for more information on all priorities and other information)

5. Ensuring that the needs and potential of our northside neighborhoods are recognized and incorporated into the fabric of our entire community. Several thousand new Santa Clara residents have joined us in Rivermark over the last three years. We must work to ensure that they receive the services and opportunities available to all Santa Clarans and that they feel welcomed to and part of the culture and history of our City. (see http://www.joekornder.org for more information on all priorities and other information)

6. Initiating a community-based process to assess the benefits of publicly financed city election campaigns. An idea that is sweeping the nation: clean money and campaigns. I will lead the effort to explore this possibility. (See http://www.89now.org, sponsored by the California Nurses' Association) (see http://www.joekornder.org for more information on all priorities and other information)

Issue Note: I am opposed to Measure B, the Binding Interest Arbitration Charter amendment.