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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
Experience,
Finances,
Collaboration
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What experience or training do you have which would help the District meet its goals?
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Answer from Pete Siemens:
I have served as a planning commissioner, councilman, and mayor in the Town of Los Gatos. My previous terms of service on Mid-pen's Board of Directors included many discussions and development of policies to serve our public. Consequently I have a well grounded insight into District operations and philosophy.
Answer from Mike Buncic:
I have had chance to spend many hours and travel many miles within the MROSD lands. I have hiked or biked virtually every trail within the publicly accessible 62,000 acres, both on organized district activities and leading student groups. I have participated in planning activities held by the district in the interest of promoting increased public access.
As an educator I have had many opportunities to relay the importance of preservation of the rapidly dwindling natural settings available to us.
I have participated in the planning and implementation of two major bond issues in the school district where I work. I have seen it done well and I have also seen this done poorly
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2. What is your evaluation of the financial condition of the District?
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Answer from Pete Siemens:
I initiated the Board approved policy to limit spending to correspond to revenue. Consequently MidPen has no unfunded liabilities, enjoys a bond rating of AA+ (lower interest on borrowing. for land purchase), and has prudent reserves. We regularly forecast 10 and 20 year revenue and expenses to help us keep on track. Our financial condition is excellent.
Answer from Mike Buncic:
The district has the advantage of a continuous tax revenue stream,thus giving it a stable funding source and allows for foresight and planning. However I am concerned about the long term debt burden and some purchasing practices that have created by it. This could potentially derail implementation of future plans, Measure AA was passed providing a 300 million dollar revenue stream for the future. However bond implementation must be done efficiently and completely in compliance with the public's desires.
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3. In what ways would you collaborate with other governmental entities and community groups to achieve the District's goals?
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Answer from Mike Buncic:
Collaborate is a key word. A myriad of public agencies border the district lands. Communication is paramount. In addition there must be improvement with issues and concerns of neighboring private land owners. A Director mus make themselves available to the public in general and be aware of all opinion regardless of formal input or not.
Answer from Pete Siemens:
I have long championed development of partnerships with land-conservation groups and government agencies. With Board direction, our current general manager has been increasing the District's cooperation with these partners. Our activities with these groups has included joint preservation and restoration projects, help with recreation plans and trail design, and agreements (MOUs) with permitting agencies to streamline our project timelines. We have worked with most of the cities in the District, the Federal, State, and County governments, and with all of the local land conservation groups.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as
submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
