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Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2004 Election
Smart Voter

Financially strong and fiscally responsible City government

By Jose "Joe" Esteves

Candidate for Mayor; City of Milpitas

This information is provided by the candidate
It is important to maintain Milpitas financial management and operations rating of 'A', highest for a California City.
I am committed to a Financially Strong and Fiscally Responsible City Government.

  • A new Library that stays on budget, on schedule and doesn't disrupt current library operations + will save money and keep library usable.
  • A new Senior Center that will be located next to Civic Center - improved use of facilities.
  • I led establishment of the new Economic Development Commission to develop jobs in Milpitas.
  • A $200M Redevelopment Agency bond issue with `A' ratings; based on highest rating for any California City's financial condition and management with `AA' ratings + result is having money for new public facilities, Midtown improvements, land purchases from the County for housing development.
  • This Council gets the City's work done effectively. We work as a team: of 661 votes taken between December 2002 and July 2004, 458(69%) were 5-0, 185(28%) were 4-1, and only 10 votes were 3-2 votes(1.5%).
  • A City Manager and senior staff that positively led workforce through substantial change: managing severe revenue decreases, budget cuts, and hiring freeze, but no layoffs.
  • For the past 3 years, City's top staff received a total of 14.6% salary increase compared to 17.05% average salary increase for all other City employees; salary survey and comparison with other cities were prepared to determine top staff increases.
  • City Manager net salary increase for past 3 1/2 years is 7.17% or 2.05% per year.
  • I voted NO for Milpitas Firefighters' 3% salary increase and longevity pay in 2002 which totaled more than $1.5M for the past 3 years (my opponent proposed and voted for the pay raise).
  • I will propose a full review of our employee pay scale to ensure fair compensation and retirement for employees while protecting the interests of future Milpitas taxpayers. Milpitas public employees are among the highest paid in the State. 33% of City employees earn over $100,000 per year and many employees will retire with a benefit package of 70-90% of base pay plus medical.

> An Economic Development Commission that would focus on business needs, develop an economic development plan for Milpitas and make Milpitas business- friendly and competitive.

> High quality education in Milpitas: I am committed to working with our School District to continually elevate the standard of education in our City.

> I will continue to keep the high quality of life in Milpitas as they are reflected in : public safety , traffic and transportation, open space, neighborhood beautification, clean environment, parks and recreation services, others.

> I will keep the current high respect and trust in the City government.

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ca/scl Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 20, 2004 23:14
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