League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Pete Siemens Answers Questions Candidate for Director; Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District; Ward 1

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 or training do you have which would help the District meet its goals?

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.

2. What is your evaluation of the financial condition of the District?

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.

3. In what ways would you collaborate with other governmental entities and community groups to achieve the District's goals?

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.

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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 18, 2014 07:53
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