League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Lisa Matichak Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Mountain View

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?

I have been actively involved in the City for the past 7 years so I am current on land use, transportation, and development issues.

• Currently serving 5th year on the City's Environmental Planning Commission (Chair 2013, Vice Chair 2012)
• Member of City's committee to assess affordable housing proposals (2011)
• Founding President of the Wagon Wheel Neighborhood Association (1,000 homes in the N. Whisman area)
• 15 year resident of Mountain View

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

Many have expressed concern about the following, leading me to the following top priorities:

Advocate for neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for our diverse mix of residents. Mountain View is the heart of Silicon Valley and we need to lead the way when it comes to well-planned neighborhoods that enhance the quality of life for our diverse mix of residents. As we develop the plans for the areas that will experience the most change (San Antonio, East Whisman, El Camino Real, North Bayshore, and Moffett Boulevard) our vision should be specific and must include plans for public transportation, safe bicycle routes, walkability, mix of housing types, local retail, schools, and new development needs to be high quality and in keeping with the character of the existing neighborhoods.

Find creative ways to add parks and open space. Parks, open space, and sports facilities are important for a good quality of life especially in an increasingly urban environment. They provide respite from daily life and opportunities for physical health. They also provide gathering places for neighbors to meet neighbors, which builds a sense of community. My goal is to find creative ways to add parks and open space in underserved neighborhoods.

Maintain a financially strong City. Mountain View is a well-managed City, especially from a financial perspective. The City has weathered the economic downturns thanks to smart planning and good decision making. My goal is to have a structurally balanced budget, activities that provide the City with stable revenue streams, and living within our means.

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

There are a broad range of topics that the City Council addresses and each decision needs to be made with great care. Having years of experience in business addressing a broad range of issues as well as years of experience in local government is important when one needs to find a balance between public and private interests. Gathering facts, doing analysis, seeking stakeholder input, and more needs to be thoughtfully done and taken into consideration. There are no formulas - good experience and good judgement are key.

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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).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 26, 2014 11:42
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