League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	James R "Jim" Neal 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 attended more Council Meetings in the last 3 years than all the other candidates combined. I am up to date on all the major and even minor topics in the city and will be able to contribute from day 1. I have also spoken at more Council meetings in the last 3 years than all the other candidates combined. I most often speak on the behalf of residents or small businesses that are (or could be), negatively impacted by Council policies.

I was the first candidate to talk about the job/housing imbalance, the need for more affordable housing, parking and traffic issues, preserving neighborhoods, and saving The Milk Pail! I addressed all these issues in an article I wrote announcing my candidacy back in January.

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

Affordable Housing - I would encourage projects that provide affordable, neighborhood compatible housing, while discouraging office projects that create a further jobs/housing imbalance.

Preserving Neighborhoods - Ensure that new projects are compatible with the neighborhoods in which they are being built and do not displace residents and/or successful small businesses.

The Council created the problem The Milk Pail now faces and it is up tot he Council to resolve it. I will work to ensure that the Milk Pail can stay right where it is!

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

The needs of the Residents will always come first, then businesses, then the City, and then any special interests (if the project benefits the first three).

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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: November 3, 2014 12:27
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