League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA June 3, 2008 Election
	Joe Judge Answers Questions Candidate for Director; Santa Clara Valley Water District; Division 2

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What experience or training do you have which would help the District meet its goals?

I have a degree in business and have owned or operated a small business for over two decades and bring that perspective to financial management. Also, my experience as a member of the Board is especially critical at this time in California water policy. In particular, my service as Board Chairman of the District during the last drought, gives me a great appreciation for the value of conservation and developing alternative water supplies, like recycled water. I will continue to emphasize those types of projects.

2. What is your evaluation of the financial condition of the District?

The financial condition of the District is strong, in fact one of the strongest of any public agency in the state, as evidenced by some of the highest bond ratings available. However, like other public agencies, we are at risk of not making the investments we need to maintain our assets and operational capacity in a time of slowed economic growth, revenues being taken away by Sacramento, the costs of doing business and construction going up, and the looming long-term costs of retirement and health benefits for past, current and future employees. This is not unique to the District, however we are being prudent and preparing for it as well. My business background will serve the District and the residents of District 2 well on these issues.

3. In what ways would you collaborate with other governmental entities to achieve the Districts' goals?

I have spearheaded a focus on such collaboration in my years on the Board. We currently meet twice a year with the San Jose City Council to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern. We have long been an agency that promoted collaboration with all levels of government from the federal agencies on down to cities and environmental non-governmental groups. So I would continue to support those efforts.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 5, 2008 21:43
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