League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Johnny Khamis Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of San Jose; Council District 10

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara 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?

I have been a dedicated community leader for many years. In my role as the chairman of San Jose's Small Business Development Commission I was able to work along side San Jose business owners to help create a better working relationship between them and the city. I was also the chairman of the Santa Clara County Human Relations Commission and was named Human Rights Leader of the Year in 2007. My passion for our city and dedication to our community will translate well into the passion and dedication needed to be an effective leader on City Council. I am involved in numerous community organizations like Almaden Cares, the Almaden Kiwanis, Martin Fontana Parks Association and coach of my son's Lego Robotics team from Los Alamitos Elementary. I have also been committed to consistently attending City Council meetings to speak in favor of Measure B and to speak out against the raising of sales tax, property taxes and business licensing fees. I have also weighed in on the adjustments in business licensing, golf courses and single use bag ban. I will continue to fight for small business and for the taxpayers of San Jose.

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

With our city facing one of the worst economic downturns in its history, San Jose needs financial leadership more than ever. With my 17 years of experience as a financial advisor helping companies manage their assets and reduce their costs, I have the ideas and financial knowledge to help our city close its structural budget deficit. Beside my unmatched support for Mayor Reed's pension plan reforms, I have ideas on bringing efficiencies to the way we purchase health insurance for our employees to save millions of dollars a year. I would also like to institute a new "Fast Track" permitting plan which will streamline and reduce permitting costs for home owners and businesses. My plan would give autonomy to contractors to sign off on permits as long as they take an annual continuing education course on local building codes and participate in surprise inspections to insure compliance.

Every other issue facing our city stems from the budget crisis. As a father I want to raise my children in a safe neighborhood with full access to libraries, parks and community centers. Until we can get the city's financial house in order we cannot stop, let alone reverse the erosion of those services. So, of course the safety of our community is of utmost importance to me, of course I desire to see our libraries and parks open 5.5 days a week and of course I want to provide children and adults alike with vibrant community centers filled with resources, classes and activities to enrich their lives. When elected, I can lend my expertise in finance to collaborate with City Council and bring back the services we all love.

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

Being the Councilman for District 10, my greatest priority would be to my constituents. Their concerns for our community are my concerns and I would work my hardest to serve them well. With that said, as a city council member I would also recognize the importance of collaborating with my fellow council members in always seeking what is best for the city as a whole and achieving our common goals. With my experience as a financial advisor, I will try to be a resource for fellow council members in helping them analyze the financial viability of future projects so that our tax payers and employees are protected against frivolous spending. I will also try to bring a small business prospective to regulatory and permitting decision. My expertise in finance and dedication to providing our citizens with the best quality of life possible will be an asset to City Council.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits for answers are 400 words for all questions. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: April 25, 2012 16:39
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