League of Women Voters of California
Santa Clara County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
	Mike O'Malley Answers Questions Candidate for Member, City Council; Town of Los Altos Hills

The questions were prepared by the Los Altos - Mountain View League of Women Voters and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. What is your vision for Los Altos Hills and how would you implement it?

Los Altos Hills is a unique combination of a semi-rural setting set in close proximity to an incredibly vibrant business and educational center. I would like to see that rural nature maintained, while, at the same time, encourage residents to improve and upgrade their existing homes. To accomplish this, the Town needs to have a building code and planning process that is applied in an consistent manner to both existing residences and new homes. Residents and builders need to be able to understand the codes and also know that these codes will be applied to all homeowners. By having written rules that apply to everyone, residents can be assured that their property and privacy rights are being protected.

2. How should Los Altos Hills accommodate individual building design to lessen the impact of development on the land, such as drainage erosion or visual impact?

The consistent application of the existing building codes, which are well thought out, should provide builders and developers a framework within which to plan and construct new homes. I believe that we should allow the planners and the Planning committee to work with those individuals who wish to build new homes and allow variances to the codes only when those variances do not infringe upon other residents and the environment.

3. What are the short term issues facing Los Altos Hills, and how would you address them?

1) The high turnover of Town employees, particularly the planning department, needs to be addressed. We need to udnerstand the problems that cause such turnover and try to create an environment that encourages emloyees to view the employment by Los Altos Hills as a positive and long-term experience.

2) Existing pathways need to be better maintained and improved. The pathway system is a valuable asset of the community and need to be preserved.

3) Increase the amount of planned recreational activities for residents, especially children. The Town needs to provide more planned recreational activities.