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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
Smart Voter

M. NADEEM, PhD
Answers Questions

Candidate for
Council Member; City of Santa Clara; Seat 2

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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?

I want to take this opportunity to welcome you. I am so glad you're here. I am honored to share with you the following:

I am a Professor of Business at National University and understand the current business challenges. I've held many civic leadership roles including serving currently as a Civil Service Commissioner (Second Term - 7th year), a Faculty Senator (6 years) and have a long history of being actively involved in the community (8 years) as---a Board of Trustee, a Vice-President, and a President---of a non-profit institution. My wife, Sarah, and I with our children have lived in Santa Clara for the past 18 years. I want to celebrate our community's past and want to successfully build abundance for the future economic recovery."

I pledge to serve as a Santa Clara (SC) City Council member to the very best of my ability -- with honesty, integrity and compassion -- on these key themes:

Vision: Preserve healthy neighborhoods and ensure a diverse range of employment, housing, open space, public safety and investment opportunities.

Mission: City projects must contribute to the overall environmental, fiscal, and economic well-being to enhance our quality of life.

Goal: Manage growth, change and sustainability in a collaborative way.

Leadership Programs: I had the honour to successfully complete the following programs:

Awards: Hence, the 'Choice is Clear'...

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

If elected to office the following will be among my top legislative priorities:

-City's Budget:(Salaries/Pension):

We need to balance the City budget. We have a $5M shortfall this year. We need to implement a spending freeze and carefully plan and evaluate all budget issues to make any cuts across the board, gradual, over time, and less harmful to residents and staff. When we cut a program, we offer less, so we have to offer as much as possible over a broad area.

It would be worthwhile to consider SJ Mercury News Editorial dated Saturday, September 25, 2010:

-Strengthen the City's ability to control costs and shore up services that residents consider critical -- including public safety;

-Set a course for fiscal stability by stemming the tide of budget deficits;

-The arbitrators are to consider a broader range of factors, such as the rate of growth of City revenue;

-Consider a lower tier of pension benefits for new employees by taking current contribution requirements out of the city charter". http://www.mercurynews.com/editorials/ci_16167712?nclick_check=1

Hence, the "Choice is Clear"...

-City's Economic Development:

We are in for some tough times and that means some tough decisions will need to be made over the next few years. The borrowing we have done from reserves to balance the City budget have left us without any funds to deal with an emergency. I will stay focussed on replenshing reserves and bringing more retial to our Mission City with my business experience. I will specifically focus on retail along El Camino Real and North Side of Santa Clara. I believe housing/commercial imbalance must be explored and redressed. Furthermore, I will focus on 'Specialty Mixed Use' areas. There are a number of areas where business, residents, arts, and other entertainment could coexist and thrive together. Perhaps adopt a mini-Santana Row model --the site where new stadium is expected to be built!

As highlighted by Santa Clara Weekly dated September 22, 2010---Do we continue down the same freeway to financial oblivion or do we reign in the horses and pursue another more equitable road? Santa claran's will get to make that decision this November 2nd---http://scw.tearn.com/2010/09/milestones_22.html

Hence, the "Choice is Clear"...

-City's Stadium (49ers):

I'll ensure that the public interest is protected just as I will ensure that the 49ers come to Santa Clara along with good jobs and industry for all qualified Santa Clarans. I supported the measure J to have the San Francisco 49ers build in Santa Clara. I will also ensure that the term sheet is negotiated with 'consistency and fairness' and I'll be a supportive but independent party to the process. I am independent and not a "volunteer" spokesman for any individual or a group---as is highlighted in the Santa Clara Weekly dated August 31, 2010: http://scw.tearn.com/2010/08/milestones_31.html

I am not beholden to anyone. I promise to objectively, rationally, impartially bring my business experience and expertise to ensure a fiscally responsible deal for our Mission City. You can count on me to be fair and represent the best interests of the people of Santa Clara -- not one side or the other, not one interest group over the other. I will do my best to fairly weigh all sides of the Stadium or any issue.

Hence, the "Choice is Clear"...

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

I propose that all current and proposed projects demonstrate proven fiscal and economic practices to enhance our quality of life. We must face the hard facts and share the responsibility. Sacrifice is the only way we'll weather this economic crisis together, and emerge stronger when we recover.

My `Mission for Mission City' (Santa Clara) is to not only maintain its reputation as an `All America City' but also to:

I believe the residents of Santa Clara are ready for a 'fresh vision'---a fresh voice, fresh perspective, and a fresh leadership at the SC City Council. Hence, the 'choice is clear'. I would be honored to have your vote for Seat #2 this November 2010.

To learn more about me, my supporters and my priorities for the future, please take a moment to explore my website: http://www.NadeemForCityCouncil2010.com and become part of our amazing team of volunteers and the campaign. Thank you.

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 11, 2010 17:08
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