League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Althea Polanski Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; 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?

It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Milpitas for eight years on the city council. I have been actively involved in the community for 30 years. I served for 19 years on the Milpitas Unified School District Board of Education and helped to pass a successful bond measure to ensure all the schools in Milpitas benefited. During my term on the council we have built a new 60,000 square foot library while preserving a historical site on time and under budget. As the chair of the Neighborhood Services and Education Subcommittee, I was instrumental in working with staff to complete the renovation of the old library to a new 20,000 square foot senior center on time and under budget. I believe my experiences and proven leadership on the council make me uniquely qualified to continue to serve the citizens of Milpitas for another four years.

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

The recession has had a major impact on city revenues and the residents of Milpitas. The council has streamlined permit processes to ensure government is more efficient to assist businesses to remain and move to Milpitas. Sun Power will be bringing much needed manufacturing jobs to the city. Increasing revenues is a major concern to ensure the services provided to citizens will be maintained at a high level. We must work to bring more business to the city to provide jobs and revenue.

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

I have always tried to take the needs of the city as a whole over any particular groups' interests. Recently, an expansion appeal came before the city council to expand a business owned by a large international company. There were strong arguments on both sides for and against the expansion. I felt it was important to read all the documents provided to the council as well as hearing from all of the citizens that spoke before making a decision. This is how I approach my decision-making process and will continue to do this when I am re-elected to the city council. I have found that open communication, listening to all sides and being flexible are important in working with all groups.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. Answers must not refer directly or indirectly to another candidate.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 4, 2010 17:51
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