The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on , ,

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

Answer from Otto Lee:

I am committed helping solve the budget crisis we are facing in Santa Clara County. Before I was elected to the Sunnyvale City Council, we were facing a $14 million deficit and now we have a slight surplus. This is the kind of fiscal management experience we need at the county level. Sound fiscal management will mean better services. I am dedicated to bringing leadership and consensus building to Santa Clara County. We have a lot to offer the world, but first we must start with our communities. How the county will deal with new development and protecting open space is a large issue in my district. Additionally I want to make sure our county's public safety and healthcare services are always funded a sufficient levels so we have a safe community for everyone to enjoy.

Answer from Dave Cortese:

I have been serving for the past seven and a half years as a full time member of the San Jose City Council. In 2007 I was unanimously appointed Vice Mayor. I understand the magnitude of serving our county in large part due to my work in a city with a 3.8 billion dollar overall budget.

I served 8 years on the East Side Union High School District, the largest high school district in Northern California. While on the school board I was able to forge important partnerships with the county and community based agencies that led to reduced drop out rates and increased graduation rates amongst our youth.

I was unanimously elected to lead the entire Bay Area as President of the Association of Bay Area Governments, a council of governments that is made up of the 101 cities and nine counties of the Bay Area. During my time as President I championed important projects for families across the Bay Area.

I served on the VTA Board for seven years, ensuring important highway and public transit projects were completed in our county.

I currently serve on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which brings important funding to the County of Santa Clara for transportation and affordable housing.

In addition to my extensive public sector experience, I managed my own law practice for a number of years. I have, as a businessman for over twenty years, actually created jobs here in Santa Clara County.

Answer from Jose "Joe" Esteves:

As three time elected Mayor of Milpitas, I've had the opportunity to serve my community, to help our city become a great community with an excellent quality of life, to help the city grow economically with new businesses, and to help plan for future development while maintaining a balance of businesses and quality of life. I have a strong record of commitment to protecting the environment, making local government efficient, and using taxpayer dollars wisely. My 10 years of perfect attendance at City Council meetings attests to my commitment to public service and my strong family support.

I would like to apply my Milpitas successes in Santa Clara County, to help address the critical issues facing the County, and to work closely with the cities and regional bodies for the most effective use of resources and for a long term vision for the County.

Answer from Dave Cortese:

The major issues facing this district include traffic congestion, public safety (noting the unhealthy rise in youth-related crimes) and the economy (with particular concern to the mortgage crisis).

Answer from Jose "Joe" Esteves:

There are several significant needs of District 3:
--We have to solve the County's budget problem or everyone will suffer the consequences and we need to hold state level elected officials accountable
--We have to ensure we provide needed health, medical, and safety services for our most vulnerable residents
--We need to continue to work on traffic and transit challenges for both near term and long term
--We need to protect our environment, especially our hillsides, parks, water sources, and air quality
--We need to encourage businesses and affordable housing at every opportunity, espcially along transit corridors

Answer from Dave Cortese:

The Board of Supevisors should focus their efforts on several fronts including: Preserving Valley Medical Center as well the spectrum of social services the County provides to families.

Reforming the juvenile justice system in our county to decrease recidivism and divert the number of youth entering the system initially.

Supporting economic development in our county and increasing the employment rate.

Answer from Jose "Joe" Esteves:

The Board of Supervisors should work on the following, not necessarily as projects, but as major and critical tasks:
-Solve the budget crisis and take the fight for funds to Sacramento--California's economic engine (Silicon Valley) is paying attention to its employees
--Work issues regionally so that Santa Clara is not trying to get the 49ers football team by itself, but has the entire County of Santa Clara supporting its efforts
--Work BART and VTA issues and make the tough decisions to ensure the best transit options are developed and executed
--Make "green" a key component of the County's environmental efforts--construction, transportation, housing, quality of life

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.