League of Women Voters of California
Santa Clara County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
	Bob Fenwick Answers Questions Candidate for Member, City Council; Town of Los Altos Hills

The questions were prepared by the Los Altos - Mountain View League of Women Voters and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. What is your vision for Los Altos Hills and how would you implement it?

My vision for Los Altos Hills is keeping the rural character and our basic rules of development, but with visual and cultural enhancements. First, I would put in place a long-term program for undergrounding utility wires. This project would be initiated using funds from various entities, including the utilities. Second, I would like to see improved Parks and Recreation facilities and programs and would strongly support proposals from the Parks and Recreation Committee in this regard. Finally, my vision encompasses further infrastructure improvements, such as to roads and pathways.

2. How should Los Altos Hills accommodate individual building design to lessen the impact of development on the land, such as drainage erosion or visual impact?

The impact of development can be reduced by strongly encouraging residents to use highly qualified architects, civil engineers, landscape architects, and contractors. Their plans and work will continue to be carefully reviewed by appropriate Town staff for compliance with Town ordinances. Our site drainage regulations should be reviewed and, if found in need of revision, changed to reduce detrimental effects on neighbors. Homes with smaller footprints will generally create fewer drainage problems; perhaps more generous basement regulations could lead to smaller average footprints for homes in the town.

3. What are the short term issues facing Los Altos Hills, and how would you address them?

Our most pressing issue is hiring a highly qualified City Manager. In all likelihood the next City Council will be involved in this selection process. Also, the Parks and Recreation Committee has made a good start on creating recreational programs for the town's residents and should be strongly encouraged to come up with additional programs. Third, the Council should direct the City Manager to recommend members of a "Joint Undergrounding Utilities Conversion Planning Committee" which will prioritize projects and enable the beginning of our undergrounding program. Last but not least, we need to work through differences among our residents so that we can proceed to a better community for all of us.