League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Butte County, CA June 8, 2010 Election
	Maureen Kirk Answers Questions Candidate for Supervisor; County of Butte; Supervisorial District 3

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

Questions & Answers

1. What qualifies you to serve as a Supervisor?

I have been a Supervisor for three years. Previously, I was a member of the Chico City Council for 8 years. I understand the County and have worked full-time as a Supervisor. I am very familiar with the budget since I am Chair of the Audit Committee and the Treasury Oversight Committee. I have worked tirelessly for my constituents and I am ready to work for four more years. I have worked to solidify city/county relations since much of the economic development requires partnerships.

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing Butte County? What would you do to address them?

The budget is the biggest issue facing the County. The departments which require general fund money depend on good decisions by the Board. I would like to enhance Sheriff and Fire services. I would also like to enhance library services. These services depend on a good and balanced budget.

3. What are your views on the draft general plan and what ordinances do you think we need to give teeth to the plan once it is approved?

I believe the draft general plan is a good working document. The Board has continually been working on ordinances which would complement the general plan. I believe that the noise element is one which is dear to many of my constituents. We have crafted ordinances which address spillover lighting and generator noise.

4. There is increasing pressure to send our water to the central valley and southern California. What steps would you take to protect north state water?

I believe that the Board is taking the proper steps now with firm advocacy and a very diligent watch of the actions by the state.

5. There has been decreasing support for education across the state. What can/should the county do to support our schools?

The county is in no position to financially support our schools. I do believe that the health of our schools affects our ability to recruit companies to locate to Butte County. I have a good working relationship with the Chico Unified School Board and will support any steps in which they may need a partner.

6. What strategies should the county use to address its budgetary problems?

The county has to set priorities. Every effort should be made to trim the extras we cannot afford. We have set the stage for a healthy budget. There is an $11,000,000 contingency fund and $15,000,000 carryover fund. We made some very difficult and drastic cuts in the previous year. Our budget is in much better shape than the other 57 counties. We are subject to the decisions by the State which makes projections difficult at best.

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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: May 2, 2010 18:40
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