This is an archive of a past election. See http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/scl/ for current information. |
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Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Director; Santa Clara Valley Water District; Division 7 | |||||
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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
Issues,
Experience,
Balance,
Finance
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
Answer from Louis E. Becker:
What I would do: Work for a solution in the delta that would meet the essential requirements of both the environmentalists and the water users. Also accelerate plans for recycling water.
2. Inadequate Cost Control resulting in accelerated pricing schedule.
What I would do: Make a detailed review of all expenditures that fall in the water rate structure. Then do an analysis on what items are essential. By identfying questionalble items, we can work toward a Board consenus on what items can be eliminated.
3. Increase Water Conservation:
What I would do: Work with staff to summarize conservation ideas such as: efficient appliances, efficient plumbing fictures, weather controlled irrigation systems, etc. Establish acceptable performance standards for these items and forward to cities with a request that they be included in all building codes. Also, continue District information policies and increse incentive programs. Answer from Brian Andrew Schmidt:
The District must do a better job of protecting water resources and managing flooding. I support ramped-up use of water recycling and greater education about water conservation. Removing impervious surfaces can reduce flooding and increase groundwater recharge. We must handle mercury contamination of water bodies and local fish through continuation of current efforts and by championing state-level efforts to require mercury producers to clean up mercury.
The Water District needs to control its budget. For example, Board Director compensation should be reduced to levels similar to City Council Members, and I have spoken and written to the Board to advocate for this change. I will also oppose wasteful means of accomplishing goals when cheaper ones are available. I will also closely and carefully scrutinize efforts to get the Water District to spend money dredging and maintaining a deepwater channel through miles of the Bay to Alviso. This scrutiny can keep the District from spending ratepayer and taxpayer money unnecessarily.
Answer from Louis E. Becker:
Answer from Brian Andrew Schmidt:
For over seven years I've been the Santa Clara County Advocate for Committee for Green Foothills, working with and sometimes against a wide variety of governmental agencies and officials in our County for the purpose of protecting our natural resources, natural habitats, and working farmlands. Treating people I've dealt with fairly and respectfully even when we disagreed gives me the ability to get agreements, and can be seen in the widespread levels of endorsements on my endorsement list.
I've been involved with the Water District since 2004, as member, vice-chair, and chair of the Environmental Advisory Committee. This committee was called the most effective of any in the last three or four years by a District Board member, covering the period when I was the chair. I know how to get results both at the District and also when working with other levels of government.
Answer from Brian Andrew Schmidt:
The Water District's role of providing technical information to other agencies and education to the public will balance its role of flood protection and water supply. I will help it use natural flood protection, keeping development away from streams instead of lining streams with concrete, balances our interests. Increasing water conservation also increases water supply, and I will support District efforts that do this. Answer from Louis E. Becker:
Answer from Brian Andrew Schmidt:
The District should also seize opportunities - the one good aspect of the bad economy is that contractors will bid far lower now than in the past, so the ratepayers can save money.
A current lawsuit against the District could eliminate about 20% of the budget if it goes poorly. I believe the District should have a contingency plan to react, quickly, to a definitive loss in court. Answer from Louis E. Becker:
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page. |