League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Dave Cortese Answers Questions Candidate for County Supervisor; Santa Clara County; Supervisorial District 3

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What experience and training would you bring to this office?

I have been serving for the past seven and a half years as a full time member of the San Jose City Council. In 2007 I was unanimously appointed Vice Mayor. I understand the magnitude of serving our county in large part due to my work in a city with a 3.8 billion dollar overall budget.

I served 8 years on the East Side Union High School District, the largest high school district in Northern California. While on the school board I was able to forge important partnerships with the county and community based agencies that led to reduced drop out rates and increased graduation rates amongst our youth.

I was unanimously elected to lead the entire Bay Area as President of the Association of Bay Area Governments, a council of governments that is made up of the 101 cities and nine counties of the Bay Area. During my time as President I championed important projects for families across the Bay Area.

I served on the VTA Board for seven years, ensuring important highway and public transit projects were completed in our county.

I currently serve on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which brings important funding to the County of Santa Clara for transportation and affordable housing.

In addition to my extensive public sector experience, I managed my own law practice for a number of years. I have, as a businessman for over twenty years, actually created jobs here in Santa Clara County.

2. What are the particular needs of your district?

The major issues facing this district include traffic congestion, public safety (noting the unhealthy rise in youth-related crimes) and the economy (with particular concern to the mortgage crisis).

3. On what projects should the Board of Supervisors concentrate?

The Board of Supevisors should focus their efforts on several fronts including: Preserving Valley Medical Center as well the spectrum of social services the County provides to families.

Reforming the juvenile justice system in our county to decrease recidivism and divert the number of youth entering the system initially.

Supporting economic development in our county and increasing the employment rate.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  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: July 31, 2008 17:21
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