League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Jarrett Fishpaw Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Los Altos

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 related to city government would you bring to the city council?

Having worked in Downtown Los Altos for the last 7 years, I know the issues facing our local business owners. I have have worked in close coordination with our City's Municipal Service Staff, Police Department, and Economic Development Coordinator. The experience I have gained through the planning, operation, and clean up from events like our Arts and Wine Festival, which draws over 100,000 consumers to our downtown triangle each year, has provided me with an understanding of how Los Altos can successfully promote it's commercial districts while maintaining the character of our community.

2. What components of the City's General Plan would you support or modify; e.g., availability of rental housing and revitalization of dowtown area, including the Civic Center area?

I support the development of Class A commercial office space in the downtown area. This is an important element related to the lack of foot traffic in Los Altos.

I support the City's General Plan Housing Element and would bring a larger emphasis on the second and sixth strategic goals defined by our city.

1) preservation of the City's rural-suburban atmosphere 2) attracting families with children 3) maintaining the existing variety of housing 4) maintaining and enhancing existing moderate density multifamily zoning districts 5) ensuring equal housing opportunity 6) increasing housing opportunities for seniors 7) maximizing residential energy-efficiency.

These two goals, attracting families with children, and increasing housing opportunities for seniors, capture two very important demographics in Los Altos.

The development of the Civic Center can help achieve both of these goals by providing a center for our community, hosting programs for youth and older adults.

3. What would be your general policy be with respect to maintaining current levels of service during these difficult economic times?

Maintaining current levels of service would be a high priority. If levels of service were to decrease due to budget constraints, I would consider the direct and indirect effects of level of service reductions. In industry, the process of Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA) provides insight into how organizations prioritize various aspects of a system's operation and dedicate resources accordingly.

During difficult economic times, it is critical that our city resources are allocated effectively, minimizing the net impact of a decrease in level of service. This requires creative solutions and a fresh perspective. With a strong background in economics and financial analysis, I will provide a distinctive voice on our Council.

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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. Answers must not refer directly or indirectly to another candidate.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 6, 2010 00:42
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