Candidate Ballot Statement

By Jill Hunter

Statement of Qualification and Philosophy

Because I love this city, I have sought ways to serve it. I worked diligently for 10 years as a school board member, then became Heritage Commissioner. For the past five years I have served on the Planning Commission. Concurrently, I chair the Saratoga Village Development Council (SVDC) and, with support from the merchants and concerned citizens, have been overseeing Village revitalization.

In 2005 I founded the Village Gardeners, volunteers who work tirelessly to make our Village even more inviting. These efforts have helped increase merchants' business. I also reconstituted the Saratoga Heritage Tree Society to educate people about the value of our significant trees and to celebrate their existence.

Through these experiences, I have come to know and respect the diversity and uniqueness of all of our neighborhoods, the wonderful people who live in them, and their great desire for the city to be even better.

I have repeatedly witnessed that when we all work together for a common purpose, we can accomplish great things. As a Planning Commissioner I have sought to lessen the impact on neighbors of enormous houses on small lots. It has been an uphill battle without supportive ordinances. As a Council member my first action would be to call for reinstatement of the Arts and the Parks and Recreation Commissions. I firmly believe that citizen participation is of utmost importance. I would instigate neighborhood outreach meetings and encourage neighborhood representatives to meet regularly with the Council to give input and feedback.

What I offer the city is principled, trustworthy, and passionate leadership. I promise to listen to, and communicate with, all community members. I will strive to build shared understanding, mutual respect, and trust.

I look forward to serving you as a Council member, to help bring the community together in a celebration of all that we are and an appreciation for all that we can become. Please vote for me on November 7th.