League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Mary-Lynne (Pierce) Bernald 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 three-time appointed Planning Commissioner and a three-time elected Chairperson, (1999-2000; 2009-2010; 2014) I have actively been involved in six General Plan Updates; supported applications that brought the Farmer's Market, tasting rooms, and appropriate outdoor music to downtown Saratoga; researched and reviewed a wide variety of City ordinances and guidelines. Working on these projects, numerous design review applications, conditional use permits, annexations, subdivisions, and Capital Improvement Projects has given me an in-depth knowledge and appreciation for the intricacies involved in local government service.

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

1. Creating a more vibrant, family friendly downtown Saratoga. To continue efforts to attract new family friendly anchor businesses to the Village, I believe we can:*streamline and assure a smooth approval process

• insure that Public Works projects do not disrupt local business foot traffic
• explore new options to improve the parking situation.
• increase efforts to support our retailers and restaurants, the Chamber of Commerce and our venues such as Montalvo and The Mountain Winery.
• marry our natural assets to our downtown economic base, one of the best ways to expand our Village opportunities.This will process is in the works with the trail improvements along the Saratoga Creek and linking that trail at several points up to Big Basin Way through a series of stairs all along the downtown.

2. Maintaining the safety record the City has both in our homes and on our streets. In 2013 Saratoga was voted the safest City in CA. Our residents expect and deserve no less. The City Council just contracted with the Santa Clara County Sheriff to expand our coverage especially in and around our schools and along the major arterials where most accidents and incidents occur.I support this effort wholeheartedly.

3. Responding to ABAG assigned RHNA numbers for housing expectations throughout Saratoga for the period 2015-2023. I worked diligently on the Planning Commission throughout this Housing Element process to site the prospective higher density housing in appropriate areas of Saratoga. Understanding the process as deeply as I do, I will remain vigilant in protecting Saratoga's unique character. And I will make every attempt to change the formula ABAG uses in demanding the numbers it unfairly assigns to Saratoga.

4. Monitoring any VTA proposed changes to Highway 85 that create more noise, smog and light pollution and congestion on our local roads. The issue of expanding two additional toll lane seems to have been set aside for the time being. I believe it is essential that we monitor any renewed proposals and that we keep pressure on the VTA to adhere to the original agreement made with Saratoga.

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

In my 10 years serving as a Planning Commissioner I have a proven record of balancing the needs of the City as a whole with groups' interests. Evidence of this is the fact that I am endorsed by a wide and diverse group of individuals, all Saratogans. They include ten mayors,two former and current Council members, fellow commissioners, past and current, numerous fellow City commissioners, downtown business owners and even those who have not always agreed with my decisions but who respect my inclusive, fair, and considerate treatment.

---

Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

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

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
SmartVoter Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter

---

Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 7, 2014 15:06
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://www.lwvc.org
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.