League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Yan Zhao Answers Questions Candidate for 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.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What experience related to city government would you bring to the City Council?

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.

2. What concerns are of particular importance to the city and how would you address them?

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.

3. How would you balance the needs of the City as a whole with groups' interests?

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.

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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.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 9, 2014 22:16
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