Fiscal responsibility and Quality of Life issues

By Ann Waltonsmith

I am seeking re-election to the Saratoga City Council, and I hope you will support me. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the citizens of Saratoga these past four years.

When I was elected, I committed to you that I would protect and promote quality of life issues, protect our neighborhoods, enhance services, and commit my professional management and team building skills to run City government. I promised that I would be fiscally responsible, use common sense, be open and available to listen to citizens concerns and do what is best for the City of Saratoga as a whole, without any influence from special interests. I have done that. During my term on the Council, I have worked hard to make our city the most desirable place to live in the Santa Clara County.

As your Council Member and as your Mayor this year, I have worked to resolve long-standing City problems, and lead the City into the future. I was involved in the settlement of the Saratoga Creek lawsuit, the settlement of the Saratoga Fire District lawsuit, and the adoption of the multi-fire district boarder drop protection system. Recently, I was one of the negotiators working to end the West Valley College stadium problem once and for all.

I have worked to maintain a fiscally responsible budget despite the State's continuing takeaways from local government. I promoted a pro-active City role in enhancing the economic potential of our commercial districts. During my tenure, the City supported such commercial projects as: ·Village Beautification Program (benches and trashcans). ·Blaney Plaza Renovation (with the annual tree lighting ceremony). ·Gateway Improvement Project. ·Village Decorative Lighting. ·Successful Village to Montalvo Shuttle Program.

I supported the City's adoption of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and the additional code and traffic enforcement solutions to help alleviate the local traffic congestion, safety and noise problems. Despite the VTA/Caltrans financial woes, I kept the ultimate goal of noise abatement on Highway 85 alive and on the list required to be completed. The other Council members and myself were particularly zealous about completing the Community Library remodel in a timely manner, and bringing the project in under budget. Your bond money was used wisely and responsibly.

While diligently working on these "old" issues, I have also worked to maintain and promote neighborhood viability and compatibility, preserve our open space and trails, clean up our creeks, enhance our parks and playfields, and provide senior and children services. During these past four years, the City has improved the Community and Senior Centers, renovated five City parks, El Quito, Gardner, Congress Springs, Azule, Brookglen and Wildwood parks, we have renewed our Heritage Orchard, and enhanced customer service at City Hall.

However, there is more to do, and that is why I am asking for your support. Due to the State's continuing reductions in municipal funding, the City street and facility monies are at risk and services may be lost. Our commercial districts need more support for businesses to survive the economic downturn. Saratoga's natural assets continue to need vigilant protection. I grew up in Saratoga, I want to make sure that our next generation will be able to also enjoy this unique small town community.

I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE LOCAL UTILITY TAX ON THE BALLOT THIS FALL. THE CITY NEEDS ADDITIONAL REVENUES TO MAINTAIN THE STREETS AND FACILITIES AND PARKS. (FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE UTILITY TAX, GO TO http://WWW.SAVESARATOGA.COM)