Based on your questions, and as new issues arise, this section will be updated. Check back for updates!
A Fiscal Crisis in the Making? Los Gatos recently lost a major source of sales tax revenue - Los Gatos Chevrolet closed at the end of September. At one time, revenue from automobile sales taxes provided approximately 35% of the Town's operating revenue. That number has dwindled to around 15%, and that was before Los Gatos Chevrolet closed. The rumor is that another dealer may close soon, perhaps as soon as the end of the year. Combine this with the fact that the State has raided our Redevelopment Agency funds and the liklihood that they will do so again in coming years. In addition, the overall economy will put more pressure on our business community and our Town's revenues. The challenge for the next Town Council will be how to continue to provide high quality services to our residents and businesses in light of this situation. With a history of building and managing large budgets - even government agency budgets - plus my career experience of 27 years as a Financial Advisor and my Certified Financial PlannerR designation, makes me uniquely qualified to help our Town face these challenges in the years to come.
“Preservation” vs. Obstructionism Los Gatos has, and will continue to, experience change.If change had not occurred in the past, Los Gatos would still be a Town of two-bedroom, one-bath bungalows.We would not have The Terraces, LyndonPlaza, Forbes Mill Steakhouse, CornerstoneShopping Center or the Los Gatos Hotel.Management of change is the real issue.Los Gatos’ planning process works.Improvement is always possible, but closing the door to all development is not a viable option. Preserving the “livability” and “desirability” of our Town is the goal.
A Vibrant, Resident-Serving Business Base is Essential Residents should not have to go out of Town to buy a television, a mattress or any number of other items which currently require a trip to Campbell or San Jose.We need to promote a healthy environment where resident-serving businesses can flourish.This does not mean more strip malls or “big box” stores. Excellence in architecture must be maintained.In addition, these businesses provide much-needed revenue to the Town, which allows the Town to provide an outstanding level of service to residents.
Ethics Many people have asked me why I resigned from the Planning Commission when I decided to run for Town Council. The answer has made itself evident with the debate over an ongoing development project. I never wanted to be put in a position where I would be questioned about a vote I might make - the question of whether I was voting based on my campaign contributor's wishes or Town policy. That could have happend if I had stayed on the Planning Commission. Even the appearance of a Conflict of Interest can be a problem. Conflicts of Interest, or the perception thereof, affects not only the people involved, it reduces the public's confidence in the integrity of the entire planning process. In 2000, I believe former Mayor Sandy Decker got it right. At the time, she said, "I don't want it to be perceived that controversy affected my decision(s)" Read the full article here: http://www.svcn.com/archives/lgwt/03.15.00/decker-0011.html
Youth Services, Recreation Facilities, Senior Services, etc. Los Gatos is a wonderful place to live. Singles, Newlyweds, Families, Empty Nesters, and Seniors are all a part of our Town’s diverse population.Each of these groups has its own needs.The present Town Council has taken a positive step forward with the creation of an “Ad Hoc” committee, and committed funding for a youth sports facility.Similar initiatives should be undertaken to assess and then meet the needs of Seniors and other groups that make up our Town’s community.
The Quality of Life in Los Gatos I am blessed to have been born and raised in Los Gatos.My parents have lived in the same house since 1969.Even my grandparents lived in Los Gatos their entire adult lives.My children are growing up here, too.The history of this Town, the past 48 years of which I have witnessed, is a blueprint for what has led to our current outstanding, quality of life.My goal is to build on that blueprint and enhance the quality of life for all Los Gatos residents.
The Planning Process can be Improved Currently, applicants are asking to be denied by the Planning Commission, so they can appeal to the Town Council, expecting to get a different answer. All too often, they get it. This happened at least three times in just the past year. This can be prevented. Allowing applicants to change their application between the Planning Commission hearing and the appeal hearing at the Town Council should not be allowed. The Planning Commission should have the benefit of all of the information applicants have to present. If they change their application, the Planning Commission should hold another hearing, before any appeal to the Town Council.
"Story Poles" Story Poles should be required for every development / re-development project that is proposed - with very few exceptions. Models and drawings are not sufficient for Town Planners, the Planning Commission or the Town Council to make a completely informed decision. In addition, interested persons are often not aware of a project until the Story Poles are erected, having the uninteded effect of limiting the public's input.
"Sustainabililty" As we look at our resources, it is clear that some of them, such as water, will be in limited supply for the foreseeable future. Landscaping uses a tremendous amount of water. Increased use of drought tolerant and native landscaping will help, as will the use of "drip" irrigation, in place of traditional sprinklers. Another idea is the use of recycled water for irrigation. Currently, our homes and businesses are fed from a single water line. On new construction, why not bring a second water line ("purple pipe") in from the street. By doing this, someday, when recycled water is available, it will be a simple switch for the landscape irrigation to be converted. This will free up more "fresh water" for use inside the home and help us conserve this precious resource..
What are some of my key objectives? I will be Proactive, not Reactive.I believe we should not wait until situations are upon us.I believe in taking action before we have problems.Some of the issues mentioned above are examples of that thinking.We also need to plan now for challenging economic times which we will likely face in the years to come.When 10% of our operating budget is funded from a single source, we need to plan alternate strategies in case that single source dries up.
Being Proactive also means recognizing that even the best intent can have unintended consequences. Los Gatos has one of the strongest - and best - tree protection ordinances; however, I would propose removing Eucalyptus trees from the ordinance. Eucalyptus trees are non-native, invasive, dangerous and a fire hazard. Removing them should be encouraged, not prohibited.
After much complaining, much of it from Los Gatos residents, CalTrans finally repaved Northbound Highway 17 from Highway 9 to Blossom Hill Road. Southbound Highway 17 on that same stretch also needs to be repaved. The noise and damage caused by a poorly maintained freeway affects many in Los Gatos. Who will keep on top of CalTrans to make sure this gets paved? I will!
Parking in our downtown core is an issue which has been around for decades.We need to look for new options to solve this problem.I believe we need to bring all stakeholders – business, property owners, residents and Town staff - together to find a workable solution.I know there is no easy fix, but this must be a high priority issue. I want to hear from you about your issues and concerns.I believe in openness, honesty and accessibility.While we might not always agree on every issue, you can be sure I will listen to your perspective and you will always know where I stand, what I believe and why I believe it.