 |
|
|
|
|
Candidates discuss the issues for voters
Rather than just relying on the articles that we write, the Sunnyvale Sun wanted to give the candidates for Sunnyvale City Council an opportunity to address readers, in their own words.
We gave all six city council candidates an opportunity to submit a 500-word essay. All of the submissions were due on the same day, so that no candidate would have an advantage over the other. Four of the seven candidates responded to our invitation. We did not receive submissions from Thomas Dwyer, Michael Flores and Judy Esteban.
We hope these essays will give readers one more opportunity to size up the candidates before going to the polls Nov. 6.
Fred Fowler
My name is Fred Fowler, and I've served you on the Sunnyvale City Council for the past four years. It seems like only yesterday that I crossed my fingers, held my breath and took my plunge into municipal politics.
When I ran for city council in 1997, it was because I cared a great deal about our community, and I wanted to do my part to keep it a great place to live and work. I still feel that way. Sunnyvale is a special place in the heart of Silicon Valley, stretching one hand forward into the 21st century, and also stretching the other hand back to the days of the Valley of Hearts Delight. We are the home of amazing high-tech innovation as well as a place where small-town values are still important.
The past four years have been fascinating for me as an elected official. There is no activity that is more "human" than politics, and my first term on the council has seen both epic battles and quiet dramas as we worked our way through the processes of government. Sometimes we faced major regional issues such as economic growth and developmental intensity. More often, we dealt with the problems of ordinary people. In all cases, I did my best to see that the tool of government was used as the community saw fit. After all, the city and its government belong to the community, not the other way around.
Another thing I've tried to do is to help the different stakeholders in our city realize that they are part of a community. It is all too easy for neighborhoods, businesses and governmental departments to ignore each other until a crisis forces them to work together. All of those entities bring resources and capabilities to the table that can complement each other with great power. All of the most exciting city developments in recent years--from the Columbia Neighborhood Center, to the Fremont High School pool, to the new Transportation Management Association in Moffett Park--are the result of those groups working together toward a common goal.
I am very grateful to the community for the chance it gave me to do this work. Back in 1997, I was relatively unknown in many parts of town, and it took a lot of hard effort and a good deal of luck to present my case effectively. I'm grateful to the citizens of Sunnyvale for trusting me and for choosing me to be one of their representatives in the halls of government. I've tried to be worthy of that trust in all that I have done.
I've worked hard for you for the past four years, but my work is not yet done. I ask for your vote to re-elect me to seat #1 of the Sunnyvale City Council. Please vote for me, Fred Fowler, on Election Day, Nov. 6. Thank you very much.
Julia Miller
It has been an honor and privilege to serve you as a council member. I have the leadership experience, expertise, time and energy to foster consensus decisions to make our neighborhoods and business community the very best.
I achieved my campaign promises and more. Council meetings start earlier for better public participation; the Sunnyvale Bay Trail is open; a new Senior Center and 50 meter swimming pool are being built; we have a new noise ordinance and air monitoring station.
My professional and community experience qualify me to continue serving you. My public service includes representing Sunnyvale on several regional board of directors: Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Bay Area Economic Forum, Association of Bay Area Governments, San Francisco Bay Trail, Regional Planning Committee, Earthquake Committee chairwoman and Regional Airport Planning Committee.
The results of my service and leadership have directly benefited Sunnyvale. I improved air quality by obtaining funding for clean air vehicles in our city fleet and refuge trucks. I spearheaded a lawn mower buy back program that traded gas-polluting mowers for electric/battery mulching mowers to protect the air and our landfill. I obtained funding for the Bay Trail. I chaired Sunnyvale's Personnel Board and Housing and Human Services Commission. I am a Leadership Sunnyvale graduate, former president of my homeowner's association, and a member of the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce.
I have actively encouraged residents to share concerns with me through letters, emails (juliacitycouncil@aol.com), phone calls (408.739.8789), and in person so my efforts and decisions are based on the opinions of the citizens of Sunnyvale. I listen, and I respond.
As your council member I will continue to provide leadership to protect our environment and quality of life; to promote neighborhood code enforcement; to maintain a strong Public Safety Department, a state-of-the-art library, well-maintained parks and services for seniors; and to oppose air cargo and general aviation at Moffett Field.
My roots have been in Sunnyvale since 1958. I attended school here, worked here, raised my son Jason here and am a homeowner. I understand our community and respect its diversity.
I have been endorsed by our three congressional leaders, Anna Eshoo, Mike Honda and Zoe Lofgren; by state Senators Byron Sher and Liz Figueroa; and many other regional elected officials.
Please vote for Julia Miller. Thank you.
John Howe
My name is John Howe. As an active member of our community for many years, I have developed the experience and understanding of the issues that Sunnyvale needs to remain a vibrant, desirable community. No one else running has my depth of experience, my understanding of the full range of issues facing our community, and my ability to bring different elements of our community together to achieve a common goal.
I have served our community on many levels. I serve as a member of the Sunnyvale Planning Commission, where I have dealt with a wide range of planning, development, housing and community issues. I have also served as a member of the Sunnyvale Rotary, as a Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce board member, as a Leadership Sunnyvale graduate and board member, as a member of Habitat for Humanity, and on many other school and community organizations.
I am supported by every current member of the Sunnyvale City Council, and by regional leaders like Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Congressman Mike Honda, state Sen. John Vasconcellos and Assembymember Elaine Alquist. I am also supported by local leaders like Sunnyvale School trustee Bob Roberts, Cupertino school trustee Pearl Cheng, and Distinguished Citizens of the year Jeanine Stanek (2000), Gordon and Willa Markley (1999) and Don and Jeanne Yeager (1998). I am extremely proud and honored to say that Sunnyvale Public Safety Offers Association has endorsed my candidacy for Sunnyvale City Council Seat No. 3. I will work with all these leaders to make Sunnyvale an even better place to live and work.
In these uncertain times, we must work harder to make sure Sunnyvale's quality of life does not diminish.
My goals will be the following--
Maintain Sunnyvale's low-crime environment and address new public safety concerns to make sure every resident feels safe.
Provide safe streets, parks, neighborhoods and schools throughout our community.
Protect the quality of life in our neighborhoods, our parks and throughout our community.
Support high-quality education for all students.
Provide high-quality, diverse housing along transportation corridors to meet our community's needs.
Encourage a healthy economy by supporting a diverse base of high technology, retail and commercial businesses and encourage the development of a strong, stable employment base.
Promote efficient and safe transportation systems that meet the needs of our residents and businesses.
Minimize flights over our Sunnyvale neighborhoods.
Preserve Sunnyvale's heritage by retaining and enhancing our historic areas.
Complete the Fremont pool and Senior Center.
I have always been proud to be a part of the Sunnyvale community. I look forward to bringing my experience and ability to get things done to the Sunnyvale City Council. I respectfully ask you to vote for John Howe Seat No. 3 on Nov. 6.
Ronald Ayers
I arrived in Sunnyvale 20 years ago and started my own business. I have been offered many opportunities through my many customers to restore their Sunnyvale homes. While working so close with homeowners and the community, I became committed to serving them beyond simply satisfaction. One learns the things they are sensitive to and quickly appreciates the same mindset. I think this is the key to making good decisions for our community.
Serving on the city council is an enormous responsibility, and one must be focused on the individual citizen first. This is a stewardship that is entrusted to us and is not to be taken lightly. I will offer my position to stay with your concerns every day, not just on Election Day.
I was raised in a fatherless home and understand many of the problems facing our young people today. Many of society's problems start with youth conflict, such as crime, speeding, vandalism and graffiti, selfish and dishonest behavior, lack of respect for oneself and others. I could go on; however, I believe these problems can be solved by basic life principles. I have worked and trained with this country's most renowned councilors and it has been proven that when these principles are applied a youth will succeed to the 95th percentile of their class or profession. Sunnyvale is spending in excess of $100,000 in removing graffiti alone. I would like to offer my training to after-school programs. I believe very strongly in the development of our children--the future of our country.
For more information, please call 408.830.7252. I hope to be your choice for Seat #3 on Nov. 6.
|
|
|
|
Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
