League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Rajeev Madnawat Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Milpitas

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 have been a city commissioner since 2007 and have also been involved with various other bodies and pro-bono organizations. I have intimate knowledge government functioning, land use, zoning, environment protection and general public safety. I am a good listener and deeply care about my city and my fellow residents. I have skills to analyze facts and made fair and reasonable decisions supported by facts and logic. I think out of the box and try to find mutually agreeable solutions by bringing stakeholders together.

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

The most urgent issue that our city is faced with is looming budget deficit. I will work work with with all stake holders to come up to a solution to balance the budget without a need for service cuts, layoffs and/or outsourcing. I will focus on long term financial stability by linking city expenditure to the revenue stream so that there are no budget deficits, service cuts and layoffs. A formula to calculate salaries and pensions yearly based on city revenues is the only long term sustainable solution. Economy will turn around, may be in a year, may be in 3 years, may be in 5.... When that happens and say revenue goes up 10%, by all means give hefty pay raises that year. This is a fair and equatable solution. To certain extent, everybody will need to sacrifice to stay float until economy improves. I will partner with the school district to ensure quality education for the kids. I will setup an effective electronic communication channel to enable citizens to voice their concerns prior to important decisions at the city hall.

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

I believe that we all are in a same boat. We will either swim or sink together. Groups' interests would not be served if the city has to layoff employees. Similarly, residents interests would not be served if services are cut as a result of layoffs. I believe that every issue can be solved by opening a good faith dialog. All stakeholders understand that we are in a big financial crisis and I believe that I can bring all of them together to find a mutually agreeable solution.

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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.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 24, 2012 15:19
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