League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Emily Lo Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Saratoga

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?

My leadership in many diverse organizations puts me in a unique position to lead the City. As a Mayor and City Council member, I have demonstrated leadership to uphold a good quality of life in Saratoga, by supporting a safe, clean, green, open environment, with good schools. My leadership in Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and various organizations helps to build a vibrant community, including business vitality. Over the last few years, the City has stepped up its outreaching efforts to our residents through social media, workshops, and presence in community events.

Public safety is a priority to our resident. I believe in strong outreach and being sensitive to residents' needs. Saratoga is rated the safest city in California by Safewise.com. My endorsements by League of Conservation Voters and Sierra Club illustrate my commitment to protecting the environment. Saratoga is rated "A" in solar panel rating. As a parent and former Co-president of the school's PTSA, I understand the needs of parents. I will leverage these experience to make Saratoga a good place to live and raise kids.

My experience in City government will help in the upcoming Contract negotiation, as well as mentoring new leadership in the City Council.

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

Upholding our property value and quality of life is of prime importance to our City. Our property value has sustained pretty well even in 'down' times. Maintaining a high public safety standard, an open, green environment with good infrastructure and top schools are the key.

In the long run, we need to explore an alternative to address the State's requirement on affordable housing. I will leverage my experience to build a groundwork for a more comprehensive approach for built-out cities like Saratoga, that can meet State's requirements without adversely affecting the character of our City.

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

There is always a need for balance - between preservation and growth, between groups seeking for funding from the same pool. While situations may differ in each case, balance can sometimes be achieved with a win-win, or it may require give and take. Keeping an open mind and communication are always good steps to resolve the differences and build solutions.

---

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.

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

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
SmartVoter Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter

---

Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 23, 2014 09:19
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://www.lwvc.org
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.