Vision
When I look ahead to the next several years, I see the County becoming increasingly self-sustaining and more resilient to the up and down of an apparently weary state government. I am committed to keeping our vital services from being dismantled under the pressure of unfunded mandates and budget shortfalls, further, I am committed to representing the community with accountability, leadership and experience.
As a County Supervisor, I have worked to strengthen the safety net on which the community can rely. We enjoy a professional and strong fire department and police services. We provide health services through Valley Medical Center and the Children's Health Initiative, programs for the homeless, and support for our youth and for our seniors. I am proud to have maintained the health, safety, and social service programs that keep us strong on a daily basis. I am also proud to have taken action to create County policy requiring new buildings and renovations to use environmentally green standards and to ensure environmental stewardship in our electronic purchasing and disposal practices. As a County, we have developed programs that are often replicated in other parts of the state and country for their creative, innovative, and results oriented approach.
One of the strategies that has helped our county remain strong - and which I value - is partnerships. Let me share just two of the many examples. First, we have many effective partnerships between Santa Clara County and hundreds of non-profit organizations in the community. These community based operations help to leverage our resources and stretch our scarce dollars while providing an array of services within local neighborhoods. Second, our partnership with entities to improve the quality of life here in Santa Clara County and in the greater Bay Area such as Joint Venture Silicon Valley, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and the League of Cities, to name a few.
Santa Clara County has so much to offer. Our community is filled with talent in technology, education, business and the arts. My vision for the County of Santa Clara is to employ accountability, experience, and leadership to provide needed services and solutions - so that all of us have an opportunity to move forward.
I have been privileged and honored to represent the cities and communities of District 5 -- cities as diverse and as interesting as the county itself. District 5 includes Stanford University, unincorporated County areas, and the cities of Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Cupertino, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, as well as a major portion of Sunnyvale, and western San Jose. These nearly 350,000 residents provide a constantly dynamic and meaningful interaction, and I am fortunate to frequently spend time with many of you, in all of these cities.
I appreciate your support to continue as your County Supervisor - and I thank you for your past support!
