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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.
See below for questions on
Experience,
Important Concerns,
Balancing Interests
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What experience related to city government would you bring to the City Council?
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Answer from Johnny Khamis:
I have been a dedicated community leader for many years. In my role as the chairman of San Jose's Small Business Development Commission I was able to work along side San Jose business owners to help create a better working relationship between them and the city. I was also the chairman of the Santa Clara County Human Relations Commission and was named Human Rights Leader of the Year in 2007. My passion for our city and dedication to our community will translate well into the passion and dedication needed to be an effective leader on City Council. I am involved in numerous community organizations like Almaden Cares, the Almaden Kiwanis, Martin Fontana Parks Association and coach of my son's Lego Robotics team from Los Alamitos Elementary. I have also been committed to consistently attending City Council meetings to speak in favor of Measure B and to speak out against the raising of sales tax, property taxes and business licensing fees. I have also weighed in on the adjustments in business licensing, golf courses and single use bag ban. I will continue to fight for small business and for the taxpayers of San Jose.
Answer from Robert Braunstein:
I have run a successful small business in San José for the past 12 years and have served on numerous boards and commissions, including the City of San José Small Business Development Commission and the Reach Youth Scholarship Committee.
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2. What concerns are of particular importance to the city and how would you address them?
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Answer from Johnny Khamis:
With our city facing one of the worst economic downturns in its history, San Jose needs financial leadership more than ever. With my 17 years of experience as a financial advisor helping companies manage their assets and reduce their costs, I have the ideas and financial knowledge to help our city close its structural budget deficit. Beside my unmatched support for Mayor Reed's pension plan reforms, I have ideas on bringing efficiencies to the way we purchase health insurance for our employees to save millions of dollars a year. I would also like to institute a new "Fast Track" permitting plan which will streamline and reduce permitting costs for home owners and businesses. My plan would give autonomy to contractors to sign off on permits as long as they take an annual continuing education course on local building codes and participate in surprise inspections to insure compliance.
Every other issue facing our city stems from the budget crisis. As a father I want to raise my children in a safe neighborhood with full access to libraries, parks and community centers. Until we can get the city's financial house in order we cannot stop, let alone reverse the erosion of those services. So, of course the safety of our community is of utmost importance to me, of course I desire to see our libraries and parks open 5.5 days a week and of course I want to provide children and adults alike with vibrant community centers filled with resources, classes and activities to enrich their lives. When elected, I can lend my expertise in finance to collaborate with City Council and bring back the services we all love.
Answer from Robert Braunstein:
1. No matter how many voters I speak to on any given day, the main concern remains balancing the City budget. To that end, I'm supportive of pension reform and voted for Measure B on the June ballot. But I know reform is a two-way street. That's why we need to build a stronger relationship between valued public employees and city government.
2. Public safety is always a concern, no matter where you live, and especially now with spikes in violent and property crime across San José. We need to fully staff our Police Department and find a way to open the South San José Substation. This was once the "Safest Big City in America", and it can be again.
3. As a small business owner, I understand the need to make it easier for businesses of all sizes to succeed in San José. I have talked about this issue with many other business owners as well as city leaders, and I believe we can make San José work for everyone.
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3. How would you balance the needs of the city as a whole with groups’ interests?
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Answer from Robert Braunstein:
I consistently tell community members and organizations that as a Councilmember, I would be a representative not just for District 10, but for all of San José. Decisions concerning other areas of the city affect the quality of life in District 10, and vice versa. We all need to work together to make San José the best city it can be. I look forward to hearing concerns from all stakeholders on an issue-by-issue basis and making informed, sensible decisions that benefit the entire city as well as my constituents.
Answer from Johnny Khamis:
Being the Councilman for District 10, my greatest priority would be to my constituents. Their concerns for our community are my concerns and I would work my hardest to serve them well. With that said, as a city council member I would also recognize the importance of collaborating with my fellow council members in always seeking what is best for the city as a whole and achieving our common goals. With my experience as a financial advisor, I will try to be a resource for fellow council members in helping them analyze the financial viability of future projects so that our tax payers and employees are protected against frivolous spending. I will also try to bring a small business prospective to regulatory and permitting decision. My expertise in finance and dedication to providing our citizens with the best quality of life possible will be an asset to City Council.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as
submitted. Please answer each question in no more than 400 words.
Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
