League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Jose "Joe" Esteves Answers Questions Candidate for Mayor; City of Milpitas

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?

With 12 years of experience, 8 as Mayor, on the Milpitas City Council, I have worked through many of the challenges of economic plenty and economic difficulties. I have made the difficult decisions necessary to balance requirements and resources and I have consistently fought for responsible fiscal policies in the Council and in the City. I have always emphasized public safety and quality of life for all residents. There are few simple solutions and it takes study, analysis, and understanding to make the best decisions.

2. What concerns are of particular importance to the city and how would you address them?

We must ensure the financial strength and stability of the City and we must make the choices that balance requirements with resources. We must maintain responsive and quality Police and Fire Departments while staying within budgetary constraints and using innovative solutions. We must ensure ethical and open government that instills the residents' confidence in their City's elected officials and staff.

3. How would you balance the needs of the city as a whole with groups’ interests?

This is always the challenge in Council decision making as rarely do simple decisions come to the Council. As Mayor, I am very active in meeting with residents at every opportunity, not just during election years. I listen, I discuss, I present. I find that when residents understand the issue, the challenge, the context, they are smarter and can support decisions both for the City as a whole and for specific interests. I make every effort to represent the people of Milpitas in balancing the needs of the community with specific interests. It helps greatly that I am not tied to any special interest groups; I do however encourage business and development in our City.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Please answer each question in no more than 400 words. 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: September 19, 2012 10:20
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