Candidate for
Mayor; City of San Jose

Community-Driven Government

A vision to take back control of our local government

The greatness of a City comes from its people. Residents who are engaged in their community on issues important to their neighborhoods help to better our collective quality of life. As Mayor, I will embark on an unprecedented plan to share real decision-making power with neighborhoods and have them actively participate in the planning and management of their communities.

1. Residents' City Council Academy- An educational course that will equip residents with the knowledge and skills to participate in and affect City Council decisions.

2. City Council Meetings- City Council sessions will be held out in the community, quarterly, so that residents can better access their elected officials on important matters affecting their neighborhoods. Internet participation from the public will be incorporated into regular City Council sessions. An arbitration system will be established so that our community has the opportunity to challenge unfavorable decisions made by the City Council.

3. Neighborhood Security- Emergency Supply Bins will be provided in each Council district for the storage of emergency supplies. Civilian emergency teams would maintain these emergency supply bins and aid neighborhoods in the event of a natural or man-made threat.

4. Neighborhood Litter Cleanup Campaign- A comprehensive litter cleanup and education campaign will be conducted to rid our city of this physical blight that reduces our collective quality of life.

5. Neighborhood Association Partnerships- The City will partner with associations to assist in the beautification of their neighborhoods. Where possible, the City would provide funding to neighborhood associations to supplement the work currently being done by city crews.

6. Neighborhood Tool Libraries- Tool Supply Bins will be provided in each Council district for the storage of home repair-type power and hand tools. The tools, free to rent, will allow residents to make improvements to their properties, which in turn will help to beautify their neighborhoods.

7. Neighborhood Association Starter Kits- Kits will be provided that would assist associations in their work in organizing and providing outreach to their neighborhoods. The kits would include such things as 2-way radios, safety vests, work gloves, neighborhood trouble shooter guides, and a one year's membership to United Neighborhoods of Santa Clara County.

8. Project Area Committee- The Project Area Committee, a committee of democratically elected neighborhood leaders that have been involved in the City's Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, will become a permanent body within the City's Boards and Commissions structure.