League of Women Voters of California
Santa Clara County, CA November 5, 2002 Election
	Matt Neely Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Mountain View; 4 Year Term

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

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. Do you see any links between local traffic congestion and cuts in public transit services, "help wanted" signs and insufficient low cost housing? If so, what might the Council do to improve the situation?

There are clear links between these public problems.

As a council member, I will champion a wide array of efforts to make Mountain View more affordable and liveable for its valuable workers and residents. I will urge persistence in the efforts already taken by council. I will also present fresh, creative ideas to create more affordable housing, including a critical re-examination of the Housing Element.

I will also push for responsible transportation efforts by the VTA board and other agencies who can combine to create viable transit options.

2. What specific concerns, if any, do you have about the recommendations in the NASA Ames Development Plan which was released in late July?

My primary concern is the continued imbalance in the jobs-housing ratio. The revised plans call for over 7000 jobs and only 1100 housing units and this will only exacerbate the housing crunch.

On the other hand, I respect the attempts to plan the area for a wide range of uses and I am particularly interested in the educational and cultural opportunities on the site.

3. As a Councilmember, how would you bring together members of the community to address local issues?

This is the primary theme of my campaign. I am passionate about encouraging involvement and engagement in the public process. I am deeply concerned with the lack of "voices at the table" and have worked hard to bring fresh ideas to the public agenda.

I decided to run for this office because I love to help people solve problems and because I was becoming frustrated with the lack of civility in our city.

I hope to help restore civility by serving as a balanced and thoughtful candidate and by actively listening to diverse groups of citizens.

I believe that I represent a wide consitutent base and feel that my years of commitment to families in Mountain View along with my endorsements demonstrate my passion for this community.