League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Commissioner; Saratoga Fire Protection District

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Experience, Finances, Collaboration Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What experience or training do you have which would help the District meet its goals? Answer from Joe Long: I have been a part of the Saratoga Fire District as a volunteer firefighter, a volunteer lieutenant, and a commissioner for over 45 years. I have helped it grow from a group of dedicated volunteers to a professional department as our population has grown. My training and experience has helped me provide the service desired by our residents. Answer from David P. Moyles: As a long time resident I bring to the Fire Commission an appreciation of the history and values of our community. I also bring to the Commission the experience it needs through my previous service on the City Council and the Fire Commission. My belief is that the public is best served when its representatives listen well, focus on collaborative problem solving rather than personalities. 2. What is your evaluation of the financial condition of the District? Answer from Joe Long: The Saratoga Fire district is in good financial condition. With disciplined spending, we have now put the district in a position where we will be putting more funds in reserves for future needs and emergencies. Answer from David P. Moyles: The District's finances are sound. This is the result of strict fiscal restraint over a period of lean years. My priorities for the Distract's small surplus are to re-establish public outreach and communication, improve the visibility and effectiveness of our fire safety and prevention programs, and continue to fund adequate reserves. 3. In what ways would you collaborate with other governmental entities and community groups to achieve the District's goals? Answer from David P. Moyles: We have functionally merged with Santa Clara County Fire; our continuing successful collaboration with County Fire is key to providing our residents the best fire prevention, fire fighting and emergency medical services possible. The Commission successfully resisted the the recommendation by LAFCO that the district be dissolved, thus preserving a tradition of local control dating back to 1924. Our success was the result of careful collaboration with neighboring cities and special districts. Answer from Joe Long: We work, on an ongoing basis, with Santa Clara County Fire District to provide the best available services to our community. Our relationship with them enables us to have a large number of resources available, but still allow us to tailor services to local needs. In addition, we are working with local government and non-governmental agencies to address the wildfire threat within the district. This should provide a basis for regional wildfire planning which will help reduce the hazard and increase the efficient response to fires. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.