League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Raul Peralez Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of San Jose; Council District 3

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?

My passion for my community has led me to being involved in my neighborhood in many different capacities. As a police officer, I engage with my community on a daily basis and hear first hand their concerns. This experience is what has led me to want to run for office; I believe we need to undo the damage done by previous city leaders and make San José the safest big city in the nation once again. I have also understood the importance of keeping our youth engaged through my experience as an alternative education substitute teacher in Santa Clara County. Witnessing youth taking the wrong path has led me to understand the importance of having good role models in our community. Thus, I have been engaged in connecting Big Brothers, Big Sisters with our police and fire departments. I have also personally been a Big brother for over 4 years. Additionally, I have experience advocating for local community resources as the elected Vice President of the Rosemary Gardens Neighborhood Association. Lastly, as a Commissioner and recently elected Vice Chair with the Santa Clara County Human Relations Commission, I have conducted meetings under Roberts Rules and advocated in front of County Supervisors for policies that allow all of our residents to contribute fully in their community.

I can list many more experiences that make me a great candidate for city council, but I believe my best asset is my passion for my community. All other skills can be learned, but my passion cannot be substituted with any other experience. I am running for office because I believe my community deserves better and I know I can bring the changes we need. I bring the fresh perspective we need to change the direction the city has led us on. As a councilmember, I will be committed to the voices in the community and ensure everyone can have a voice in the decision making process.

2. San Jose budget difficulties have resulted in unprecedented cuts to staff and services. How will you deal with coming shortfalls? Restoring some of the City services? And, if you think the City needs additional resources, what are your ideas for increasing revenues?

I believe addressing the issue of public safety can save the city a lot of money and bring more revenue. Due to the lack of public safety we have been experiencing, local businesses are fleeing the city, and we are unable to attract new ones. We must restore public trust in the city and realize legal pension savings by addressing Measure B's flawed effects. We have spent way too much money on litigation and have yet to see savings to our budget. It is time to negotiate with our employees, have some real savings and move forward in addressing public safety. We also must look into how we are investing our pension funds. Recently it has been reported that the city of San José has pension funds that are underperforming to the tune of over $90 million dollars. Lastly, we must generate some new revenue into our public services and I would support a sales tax measure to help generate these funds.

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

Public Safety is the top concern for San José. We have moved from being the safest big city in the nation to one combating a rising amount of crime every day. This has in turn affected our ability to create new revenue, as businesses are fleeing our city. I witness our public safety issues every night at work and I know our city can do a better job at addressing the safety of their residents. I will focus on shifting this pattern from day one. Additionally, the lack of leadership has pushed our community towards a distrust of local government. If elected, I will work on restoring this trust by cultivating communication between residents and city council. I understand that community involvement is vital to the success of the city, and I will ensure residents feel confident that their voices are being heard. Another pressing issue for our city is our growing homeless population. We need to take ownership of these residents and work together with the county and other agencies to develop real long-term solutions. Focusing on Housing First models that have been successful across the nation and allocating the funds to these types of programs will be the direction I intend to lead our city.

4. How would you balance the needs of the City as a whole while also addressing needs of your district as well as those of special groups?

The priorities of district 3 residents speak to the priorities of our city as a whole. One of the things that I love about living here is that we have a very diverse community, a quality that is also present in our city and county in general. Public safety, public transportation, economic security and affordable housing are all issues common to our city as a whole. I will be sure to listen to the needs of residents of district 3 while assessing the needs of the city as a whole. I understand that the role of public officials is to respond and represent the needs of the community they represent, and that's what I intend to do if elected to council.

5. How much money do you expect to raise/spend on your race, and how will you assure voters that financial contributions will not affect your decisions/positions should you be elected?

I intend to raise about $100,000 for the campaign. As a life-long resident of San José, I grew up in a middle class immigrant family and that instilled working class values in me. I do not come from a political family, nor was I selected by any particular special interest to run for office. I am here listed as a candidate because, through my different experiences, I have developed a passion to serve and represent my community. I am from, live and work in San José. The future of my community represents my future. I am running for council because, as a resident, I see the need for change. I will bring the fresh perspective our city needs, and this is why I have so many residents, friends and family members who believe so much in me that they decided to fund my campaign. Over half of my campaign funds are under $100 and the majority of all my contributions come from individual donors. They are the voice I will represent as a council member, and I have made this clear to all my funders. I do not worry about balancing donors with the needs of voters because my values are what will drive my policy decisions in city hall.

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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: July 17, 2014 15:14
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