League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Barry Chang Answers Questions Candidate for County Supervisor; Santa Clara County; Supervisorial District 5

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?

When it comes to our health and safety, no one has been fighting harder for Santa Clara County residents than me. I the only candidate for County Supervisor who has fought to require Lehigh Southwest Cement Plant (Lehigh) to reduce its toxic pollution output. When elected, I will require the enforcement of the laws and more stringent emission standards for mercury and other toxins to ensure that every breath we take and our drinking water are clean and safe.

Because my work, Lehigh will go from #1 stationary source of mercury pollution to emitting 90% less mercury into our air, reservoirs that feed our water supply.

2. What are the particular needs of your district?

Santa Clara County can not continue to run its business with budget deficit like the past consecutive ten years. Nor Santa Clara County can allow Lehigh Southwest Cement Plant continue violating the laws for more than ten long years. It is time for a change.

For over 10 years, the Santa Clara County Baord of Supervisors has ignored the Lehigh's repeatd violations and residents' repeated requests for action. Why ahall Lehigh be allowed to operate in violation of the laws while profiting at the expenses of our health and safety? The Board of Supervisors has not done enough to protect Santa Clara County residents. When electe, I will require the enforcement of the law, period.

3. Given scarce resources, how would you approach balancing the County budget and what County programs and services should be given the highest priority?

To balance the budget, I will cut the fat from the top. Santa Clara County should enforce the law and fine the big polluter, Lehigh, for its violations of the law and make sure Lehigh is in compliance with the law. Transportation programs and education programs should be given the highest priority.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits for answers are 400 words for all questions. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 16, 2012 22:23
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