League of Women Voters of California
Stanislaus County, CA November 4, 2003 Election
	Michael S. VandenBosch Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Modesto; Chair #6

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. In times of tight budgets, what can the City of Modesto do to reduce expenses?

That may mean that we keep some vacant positions unfilled until greater revenues begin coming into the General Fund. We can also avoid paying for endless studies and hiring consultants to tell us what we already know. I'd hate to see us embark on a costly audit of the city's entire operations, but this may mean that we start soliciting greater input from staff on ways that we can cut expenses and programs without cutting staff or services that our residents value and deserve.

If necessary, let's launch a task force to come up with innovative solutions to limit government expenses.

2. What specific steps should the City take to assure that there will be an adequate inventory of affordable housing?

Well, we first need an inventory of developable land. Second, if we are going to encourage developers to build more affordable housing, we must provide some sort of financial incentives to them, such as allowing higher density housing, streamlining the approval process, and where possible, eliminate certain onerous fees that discourage the very development we seek in the first place. Above all, we have to create a positive business climate where such affordable housing developments are sought first and foremost to offset the median price of a home in Modesto, which is $230,000 as of August 2003.

3. In light of recent events, should there be changes in the credit card policy? If so, what? Be specific.

In order to restore trust and integrity, I believe that the charges that City Council members make each month be made public on the city's website and in the paper. Let's hold Council members' feet to the fire through public awareness of what we spend each month. We can reinstate accountability at the staff level also through careful, cautious approval of conferences through immediate supervisors and City Manager, Jack Crist. Let me be very clear, however, that I support conferences as a means of continuing education for our city's professional staff. Let's not be penny wise and pound foolish.