League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Council Member; City of Saratoga

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 Experience, Concerns, Balancing interests Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What experience related to city government would you bring to the City Council? Answer from Yan Zhao: I would bring to the City Council eight years of experience on the Saratoga Planning Commission, including serving as Chair 2009-2010. Those years provided me with invaluable experience in recognizing ways in which we can help our city remain one of the best places in the Bay Area to live and raise a family. I contributed to the update of Land Use, Housing, Circulation, Open Space, Conservation, Safety, and Noise Elements of the general plan; helped the commission in reviewing numerous major annexation projects; helped create the new design review criteria for wireless telecommunication facilities, as well as an update to the fence and sign ordinance; and helped the Commission through the comprehensive update to the City's residential design review handbook, which was over 30 years old. In addition to my work with Saratoga city government, I have worked in the high tech industry for over 20 years. Because of my experience with both big corporations and startups, I know the importance of listening to people, working with people with different backgrounds, focusing on issues, and trying to find solutions collectively. I am an active community member. Besides serving on Saratoga Planning Commission, I also serve on the Saratoga elementary PTA board, Student Art Show Chair for Saratoga Rotary Art Shows, AYSO soccer volunteer referee and a regular volunteer for the Saratoga Historical Foundation events. Each of these volunteer activities has given me an opportunity to meet with many residents from different neighborhoods and has allowed me to learn more about what each neighborhood wants. I will bring to the Saratoga City Council my experience as a Planning Commissioner, a consensus builder, and as an engineer with excellent financial, analytical, and management skills so that I can help to provide the services our residents need and deserve. Answer from Rishi Kumar: I have a proven track record of independent, common sense thinking, bringing people together, listening and collaborating to make something good happen. I have demonstrated consistently that when I take up a cause, I am committed to working hard, preparing, gathering data, listening to various perspectives/sides and making prudent decisions that works for our Saratoga. My involvement in Saratoga started with my own neighborhood and encompassed AYSO Soccer, Chamber of Commerce, Senior Center, our schools, Boy Scouts, Saratoga's Got Talent, open mic, founding/hosting celebrations, events and more. I have a proven track record of envisioning and launching initiatives, adopting a framework and building a process to execute and make it succeed. For example, I have launched and initiated many new programs with the purpose of building a unified connected community, and collaborating to address needs within our community. That experience and success will prove useful on the council. I have a track record of working for our community. When I see an issue, it is hard for me to NOT work to address it. Whether it is raising money for the Senior center via Saratoga's Got Talent, or providing the opportunity for our youth to be empowered via talent shows/bi weekly open mics, or engaging our Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Saratoga for a Saratoga creek cleanup initiative, or founding the Saratoga Lego Robotics Club to encourage the love of math, robotics and programming for our middle school and high school kids. But there is more. When there was a break-in that occurred in my neighborhood, I launched the Neighborhood Watch program, the Neighborhood Preparedness program along with an annual block party. When we saw a string of break-ins in the community, I launched the SAFE SARATOGA focus group to create safety awareness. When I observed our businesses hurting, I launched an open mic at Blue Rock Shoot in Saratoga downtown to bring in net new foot traffic into the village. I initiated a meeting with Roku (a Saratoga media box company) proposing a Roku retail store in downtown - that would an anchor store that Saratoga downtown needs, and also increase the tax base for our city. Yes, I believe in rolling up my sleeves, getting to work and making a positive contribution - whether in my high-tech job as General Manager of a cloud services venture, or as Saratoga's community worker. With my experience and learning on the Planning Commission, and all the volunteering as a community/neighborhood leader, I will work to enhance the quality of our lives. As part of my corporate role at IBM, Cisco and now at Imaginea Technologies, I have worked on leading teams with large budgets and getting stuff done. I have worked extensively with Saratoga Public Works in our neighborhood projects. I have been an involved Saratoga Chamber of Commerce member. I have supported the Chamber's social media strategy and also being involved in ensuring the success with Chamber sponsored events such as Celebrate Saratoga, Farmers Market, Saratoga Wine Stroll and Holiday Party, Christmas Karaoke. I have also met our businesses across the 5 commercial districts of Saratoga to understand the business climate of our community, and what is working or not working. My professional experience, my community work that cuts across various spectrums within Saratoga, track record of working to address Saratoga's issues, coupled with the planning commission experience uniquely qualifies me for specific city governance challenges, policy making and land Details and Position use decisions. Details and Position Papers at http://www.rishikumar.com/campaign-charter.html Answer from Emily Lo: My leadership in many diverse organizations puts me in a unique position to lead the City. As a Mayor and City Council member, I have demonstrated leadership to uphold a good quality of life in Saratoga, by supporting a safe, clean, green, open environment, with good schools. My leadership in Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and various organizations helps to build a vibrant community, including business vitality. Over the last few years, the City has stepped up its outreaching efforts to our residents through social media, workshops, and presence in community events. Public safety is a priority to our resident. I believe in strong outreach and being sensitive to residents' needs. Saratoga is rated the safest city in California by Safewise.com. My endorsements by League of Conservation Voters and Sierra Club illustrate my commitment to protecting the environment. Saratoga is rated "A" in solar panel rating. As a parent and former Co-president of the school's PTSA, I understand the needs of parents. I will leverage these experience to make Saratoga a good place to live and raise kids. My experience in City government will help in the upcoming Contract negotiation, as well as mentoring new leadership in the City Council. Answer from Mary-Lynne (Pierce) Bernald: As a three-time appointed Planning Commissioner and a three-time elected Chairperson, (1999-2000; 2009-2010; 2014) I have actively been involved in six General Plan Updates; supported applications that brought the Farmer's Market, tasting rooms, and appropriate outdoor music to downtown Saratoga; researched and reviewed a wide variety of City ordinances and guidelines. Working on these projects, numerous design review applications, conditional use permits, annexations, subdivisions, and Capital Improvement Projects has given me an in-depth knowledge and appreciation for the intricacies involved in local government service. 2. What concerns are of particular importance to the city and how would you address them? Answer from Emily Lo: Upholding our property value and quality of life is of prime importance to our City. Our property value has sustained pretty well even in 'down' times. Maintaining a high public safety standard, an open, green environment with good infrastructure and top schools are the key. In the long run, we need to explore an alternative to address the State's requirement on affordable housing. I will leverage my experience to build a groundwork for a more comprehensive approach for built-out cities like Saratoga, that can meet State's requirements without adversely affecting the character of our City. Answer from Yan Zhao: Saratoga is known for its attractive small-town charm, its superb quality of life, excellent schools and distinctive businesses. I believe it is of particular importance to our city to maintain our small town character while wisely promoting economic development in the commercial centers so that Saratoga can retain its distinct character. In addition, it is important to note that over 35% of our population is over 55 years old. I support encouraging innovative services for our seniors; active collaboration with Santa Clara County Social Service agencies and non-profit organizations to provide additional needed services; and as always, to strive to provide the highest possible quality of life for all of our citizens. Answer from Mary-Lynne (Pierce) Bernald: 1. Creating a more vibrant, family friendly downtown Saratoga. To continue efforts to attract new family friendly anchor businesses to the Village, I believe we can:*streamline and assure a smooth approval process insure that Public Works projects do not disrupt local business foot traffic explore new options to improve the parking situation. increase efforts to support our retailers and restaurants, the Chamber of Commerce and our venues such as Montalvo and The Mountain Winery. marry our natural assets to our downtown economic base, one of the best ways to expand our Village opportunities.This will process is in the works with the trail improvements along the Saratoga Creek and linking that trail at several points up to Big Basin Way through a series of stairs all along the downtown. 2. Maintaining the safety record the City has both in our homes and on our streets. In 2013 Saratoga was voted the safest City in CA. Our residents expect and deserve no less. The City Council just contracted with the Santa Clara County Sheriff to expand our coverage especially in and around our schools and along the major arterials where most accidents and incidents occur.I support this effort wholeheartedly. 3. Responding to ABAG assigned RHNA numbers for housing expectations throughout Saratoga for the period 2015-2023. I worked diligently on the Planning Commission throughout this Housing Element process to site the prospective higher density housing in appropriate areas of Saratoga. Understanding the process as deeply as I do, I will remain vigilant in protecting Saratoga's unique character. And I will make every attempt to change the formula ABAG uses in demanding the numbers it unfairly assigns to Saratoga. 4. Monitoring any VTA proposed changes to Highway 85 that create more noise, smog and light pollution and congestion on our local roads. The issue of expanding two additional toll lane seems to have been set aside for the time being. I believe it is essential that we monitor any renewed proposals and that we keep pressure on the VTA to adhere to the original agreement made with Saratoga. Answer from Rishi Kumar: The most important issue in Saratoga is making choices that will KEEP SARATOGA GREAT, which is largely hinged upon the enhancement of quality of life for our families. We are a family oriented city, and our offerings and challenges lineup with this core value. On the council, I will continue to enhance that quality of life for all Saratogans, based upon their input, ideas, our understanding of our community, while building a framework of active community engagement. My five point action plan on the city council is completely aligned with enhancing the quality of life for all Saratogans #1 Enhance Saratoga's quality of life, nurture a thriving family oriented community, a vibrant commercial district, offerings for our youth as well as seniors. #2 Be your strong voice to address quality of life issues, such as highway 85 noise/pollution, petty thefts/home break-ins and high density housing #3 Enhance and optimize city services for all our citizens; increase "customer satisfaction" #4 Actively engage citizens via partnerships and outreach programs creating strong synergies #5 Listen and then act; actively solicit and incorporate citizen feedback into decisions. What contributes to our quality of life is fast efficient city services for our citizens, a vibrant thriving commercial district, safe neighborhoods with minimal break-ins, a laid-back semi-rural ambiance, protecting our trees, a well maintained park and trails system, and streets that mostly have free flowing traffic, and quiet neighborhoods. We like to maintain a family conducive environment, happy, contented, relaxed lives, raise smart, happy, successful kids and provide the right opportunities for them to thrive and grow. We have a fairly large senior population and we like to address their needs in the community - along with the needs of the young families that are trickling into Saratoga. I have a track record of working for our citizens to enhance our quality of life. When I see an issue, it is hard for me to NOT work to address it. Whether it is raising money for the Senior center via Saratoga's Got Talent, or launching the Safe Saratoga Focus Group, or getting involved in the chamber efforts to revitalize our businesses, or running an open mic in downtown (4th year now) to drive new foot traffic to our village, or providing the opportunity for our youth to be empowered via talent shows/bi weekly open mics, or Saratoga creek cleanup, or the Saratoga Lego Robotics Club that I founded. When there was a break-in that occurred in my neighborhood, I launched the Neighborhood Watch program, the Neighborhood Preparedness program along with an annual block party. When we saw a string of break-ins in the community, I recently launched the SAFE SARATOGA focus group to create safety awareness. When I observed our businesses hurting, I launched an open mic at Blue Rock Shoot in Saratoga downtown to bring in net new foot traffic into the village. I initiated a meeting with Roku (a Saratoga media-box company) proposing a Roku retail store in downtown - that would an anchor store that Saratoga downtown needs. Yes, I believe in rolling up my sleeves, getting to work and making a positive contribution - whether in my high-tech job as General Manager of a cloud services venture, or as Saratoga's community worker. I have been involved in our city volunteering passionately, finding time for this purpose, juggling a young family and a high-tech job. I have also worked to enhance the civic engagement model, informed, collaborated and brought our community together, always encouraging the process of dialogue. While doing so, I encouraged the democratic process of open decision making, educating our citizens with the facts to help make choices. I will continue doing that on the council. It is our amazing citizens of Saratoga that make our community so special. Firstly, the folks who made some well thought out choices almost sixty years ago when our city was founded, that set us for the path of success. There are many who have brought their leadership and volunteerism to bear to make Saratoga such a special city. I have met folks who have lived here for decades; their love and almost reverence for our city is so very perceptible and real. There is so much energy that I notice with our seniors, a fire in their belly to do their best for Saratoga. How could we not embrace that model, it is the inevitable. Our current seniors made the right choices, and we are benefiting. To continue making the right choices, and teaming with our citizens, listening to them, bringing our energy, dedication and volunteering passion is what I seek to bring to the city council. I want to continue to make smart choices that works for our citizens, take pride in our city, our homes, our schools ensure that our community is always prosperous and successful! I will listen to our citizens and make prudent choices for Saratoga, that will keep Saratoga thriving, successful and an even more exciting, desired community for all of bay area. That will be an accomplishment that will mean a lot to me personally! Details and Position Papers at http://www.rishikumar.com/campaign-charter.html 3. How would you balance the needs of the City as a whole with groups' interests? Answer from Mary-Lynne (Pierce) Bernald: In my 10 years serving as a Planning Commissioner I have a proven record of balancing the needs of the City as a whole with groups' interests. Evidence of this is the fact that I am endorsed by a wide and diverse group of individuals, all Saratogans. They include ten mayors,two former and current Council members, fellow commissioners, past and current, numerous fellow City commissioners, downtown business owners and even those who have not always agreed with my decisions but who respect my inclusive, fair, and considerate treatment. Answer from Rishi Kumar: I have a history of working with various groups, and carving out a win-win that serves the interest of Saratoga, seeing the big picture, applying the vision to make something good happen. This is clearly demonstrated by the hundreds of endorsements from Saratoga's community leaders that cuts across so many Saratoga groups and organizations. Our City of Saratoga is a thriving, successful community. I have tremendously enjoyed the volunteering for this city that I love. Being part of the council, continues the volunteering but now provides me an additional opportunity; an opportunity to listen, develop vision, leverage the leadership, energy and innovation to benefit our community - to make a difference and "Keep Saratoga Great". That is exactly what I want to do and the reasons I am running. It is a simple idea of keeping Saratoga great. But how do we do that? The most important issue in Saratoga is the enhancement of quality of life that is centered on our families. We are a family oriented minimal service city, and our offerings and challenges lineup with this core value. As long as we go back to this basic premise, with which our city was founded, we will end up making smart choices that will keep Saratoga thriving and successful. I want to continue to make these smart choices that works for our citizens, take pride in our city, our homes, our schools ensure that our community is always prosperous and successful! Details and Position Papers at http://www.rishikumar.com/campaign-charter.html Answer from Emily Lo: There is always a need for balance - between preservation and growth, between groups seeking for funding from the same pool. While situations may differ in each case, balance can sometimes be achieved with a win-win, or it may require give and take. Keeping an open mind and communication are always good steps to resolve the differences and build solutions. Answer from Yan Zhao: A challenge to everyone who serves our city is that of balancing the many and sometimes conflicting needs of specific groups of our residents with the overall good of our community. It will be my responsibility, as a member of the Council, to always serve the greater good of our entire community. Further, it will be my responsibility to encourage and facilitate dialogue among diverse groups so that we can endeavor to come together as a community, as neighbors, and as informed citizens. My commitment to you is this: I will work hard, provide full transparency, keep residents well informed on issues, and ensure that your voice will be heard. I pledge to support accountability, open communication, and strategic partnerships between our residents, businesses and schools. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.