League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA April 7, 2015 Election
	Alex Coto Torres Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of San Jose; Council District 4

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?

I bring over 25 years of community, government, public policy development and involvement with the City of San Jose, local businesses and community organizations. Within that time frame, (please see attached Bio) I have served on numerous non-profit boards and committees within the City. During this time, I have created and advocated for policies that have impacted the current and future of San Jose and District 4 specifically in the areas of economic development, housing, transportation, social and economic justice and investments in our communities. I have helped direct corporate spending to local community organizations while expressing the needs of these organizations to corporations in Silicon Valley who can play a role in building a stronger and healthier San Jose for all residents and families regardless of income and education level.

Overall, my in-depth experience and expertise in these areas are what distinguishes and uniquely qualifies me to represent District 4. For over 25 years, I have worked with past Mayors and City Council members from Susan Hammer to our current Mayor and council members, community leaders and numerous non-profits in helping them address issues and needs of our community that often are ignored and or not front and center in the daily political dialogue.

Additionally, as a long-time (13 years) resident of District 4 and having raised my two boys as a single father, I have first-hand knowledge of the social, economic and educational needs of District 4.

Overall, because of my deep rooted relationships with business, elected officials, community leaders and grass roots organizations I have developed a proven track record of over 20 years working with all of the diverse communities in San Jose. I am uniquely qualified to lead and to get things done that will benefit District 4 and the City of San Jose.

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 will work with my colleagues and SJ Government to implement strong fiscal management practices of our City's resources. These fiscal policies will positively affect our social infrastructure, public safety, environmental impact, economic equality and controlled development that affects the overall quality of life of our residents. Together, along with the residents of District 4, I will make sure that we implement fair, equitable and socially responsible policies that will allow the continued economic growth without compromising the quality of life of our residents. Having said that, this can only be accomplished by managing our City resources so that these services can be adequately restored.

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

1. Fiscal Responsibility and more responsible city government that is held accountable to needs of our local community. Streamlining opportunities should be explored that would increase efficiency within internal operations and how the city does business externally to save money and more effectively meet the needs of residents.

Overall, to me it is important to have a more efficient and fiscally responsible the City government that can focus on such issues public safety and economic development that benefits existing residents and businesses.

2. Housing/Affordable Housing: we need to develop more market rate housing and affordable housing in order to keep Silicon Valley thriving. This growth however, must be tempered with "smart growth" that takes the environment into consideration and provides the infrastructure necessary to support the growth in housing and improves the overall quality of life.

3. Public Safety: San Jose was once the safest city in America. I want to return San Jose to that level again. It not only improves home values, it brings businesses to San Jose, creates jobs, increases tax revenues and improves the overall quality of life for our families and neighborhoods.

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?

As a long time resident of District 4 and with career spanning over 25 years in San Jose, I understand the needs of District 4 and San Jose very well. Within that time, I have successfully built collaborative coalitions with government entities, community leaders, elected officials, businesses large and small.

Also, during that 25 years, I have positively impacted the City of San Jose and District 4 via my volunteer work on local community boards such as Center for Education & Training Corporate Advisory Board, Small Business Development Advisory Board, and the Foreclosure Prevention Task Force. This combination of leadership, exceptional track record and experience has prepared me to build coalitions that will effectively address the needs of District 4 and San Jose/Alviso.

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?

During the special election I expect to raise at least 20K which includes 5K personal funds. Overall, I plan to raise as much as is allowed under the campaign cap and will abide by all campaign fund raising laws to accomplish such. I've not sought out or received any endorsement/contributions from special interest groups. All contributions received are from community leaders, neighbors, family and friends. Also, I'm not beholden to any social, political and business interest on the political spectrum - as I have been throughout my career, I am an independent thinker and will continue to be one if elected to office and in order to best represent the interest of my neighbors in District 4.

Also, I am a life long democrat and strongly believe that candidates are influenced too much by special interest groups. As such, I offer a new type of leadership and experience that will do what is right for the greater good for San Jose and District for and not just for a particular group.

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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: March 8, 2015 22:00
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