League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 6, 2007 Election
	Pat Burt Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Palo Alto

The questions were prepared by the the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. In light of the city of Palo Alto's budget deficit, how do you propose to increase city revenues and promote efficiency in city operations?

I used my role as planning commissioner to lead efforts to expand our city's revenue from hotels. Hotels provide the highest income to the city with the least impact on traffic and our quality of life. I have promoted zoning incentives and collaboration with the private sector to support the addition of three new hotels within the next three years.

I have promoted the use of incentives for increased retail and business to business sales taxes and I have helped change our codes to retain and expand our auto dealerships.

I have supported impact fees so that our parks and transportation systems can keep up with our increased needs.

City efficiency can be increased through innovation and technology. I'll apply my thirty years of entrepreneurship to creating new and better ways to provide services more efficiently and effectively. I will also engage our community members and groups for their ability to provide resources.

2. How would you propose to meet Palo Alto's requirements for housing, existing and potential retail, future infrastructure, and city services?

I helped create a Pedestrian,Transit Oriented Development District for Palo Alto. This is true Smart Growth that provides housing with the least impact on our roads and schools. I believe that we should add housing at a pace that is in relation to our city's ability to provide schools, parks, libraries and community centers.

We must do a better job of demonstrating to our community that no dollar will be wasted so that we achieve broad community support for improved libraries and public safety buildings.

3. Does Palo Alto have an obligation to consider regional needs with respect to a growing population, increasing diversity, and the importance of economic opportunity? If so, what proposals and plans would you support?

I have a proven record of innovative approaches to supporting regional needs to protect our environment, promote our economy and provide for a diverse and socially responsible community. I believe that the rate of growth in Palo Alto must occur at a pace and in ways that do not serve the present generation at the expense of future generations.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates in this race must limit their answers to 300 words total so that a paper Voters Guide may be published by LWV Palo Alto. After 8 p.m. on Sept. 12 word limits will no longer apply. Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 27, 2007 11:57
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