League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Nancy Kirk Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Saratoga

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 related to city government would you bring to the city council?

As a 35 year resident of Saratoga and with 29 years of professional experience in law enforcement as a probation and parole officer, I bring a unique set of qualifications to represent the community needs. I'm highly sensitive to personal and property safety issues. I have budget oversight experience, having been in charge of the electronic monitoring program for the United States Probation & Parole offices from San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

Currently I am on the Board of the Saratoga Foothill Club, as the rental treasurer.

As the Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Chair, my mission is to provide safer streets for the community of Saratoga. During my term, projects have been completed for safer bicycle lanes and pedestrian crosswalks. I am especially concerned about crime and traffic violators who endanger us. This affects our safety, quality of life, and potentially home values.

I am pragmatic. I'll accept no campaign contributions. Nor will I accept endorsements of non-Saratogans, with the exception of Assembly Member Jim Beall. I'll work for residents, not special interests.

2. What concerns are of particular importance to the city and how would you address them?

I want to see more transparency in government. A recent council decision lead to an initiative being brought by a citizen's group. It was through cooperation by both sides that the outcome of Measure Q will be decided. Had adequate notice been given to the community at large, this very expensive and time consuming exercise could have been avoided.

I would like to initiate a community notification of criminal activity. Through cooperation of the Sheriff's Office, this would provide much value to the community at large.

I would recommend no fee or nominal fee for removal of trees in imminent danger of falling. In turn, higher fines would be given to those who illegally remove trees (especially for historic trees) without a permit.

The Village is in great need of revitalization. I would recommend that the Chamber of Commerce be open on Saturdays to assist visitors with information about local attractions, such as Hakone Gardens, Villa Montalvo, Sanborn Park. An international market in a coop environment would serve our multicultural community. Business development ideas could be gained by consulting a professional who specializes in business revitalization. We have to get aggressive in seeking businesses to come to Saratoga. And as another top priority, I would promote a farmer's market on a week night in the village.

3. How would you balance the needs of the city as a whole with groups' interests?

In my profession as a probation officer, it was my duty to weigh all aspects of a case before making a recommendation to the court. I had to consider the seriousness of the crime, how it impacted the victim, and how it impacted society. This background provides me with the capability to weigh the concerns of the City, the concerns of groups, the concerns of individuals and come to a fair and equitable decision.

Most importantly, being retired, I have the time, willingness and energy to devote my full time and attention to the residents of Saratoga. I respectfully ask for your vote. Thank you.

For more information, you may review my forum participation, via http://www.ksar15.org/schedule/, at the following events:

League of Women Voters' Forum, September 23, 2010
Westhope Presbyterian Church Forum, September 28, 2010

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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. Answers must not refer directly or indirectly to another candidate.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 10, 2010 15:40
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