On Aug. 30, The Weekly submitted the following questions to District 6 candidates — Anthony Becker, the incumbent, and challengers George Guerra and Kelly Cox. Candidates had until Sept. 13 to reply. Below are the answers The Weekly received from Becker. Cox and Guerra did not reply. Answers are presented verbatim.
What are the biggest resident concerns in your district?
Becker: There’s many concerns in my district. A few of them are; The cost of housing, cost of city services, speeding in neighborhoods, deteriorating city facilities and internet equity. When I talk to parents in my district and throughout Santa Clara one of their biggest concerns is where their children will be able to live since the current cost of living here is astronomically expensive while other concerns relate to deterioration of our city facilities like the International Swim Center. Internet equity is a hot topic lately as costs for internet access rise and speeding in neighborhoods.
What is your vision for the Santa Clara San Jose Stevens Creek corridor?
Becker: In addition to Councilmember, I serve as a member of the Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Steering Committee where I collaborate with elected leaders from San Jose, Cupertino on a future vision of the corridor that all our communities benefit from. My role on this pivotal committee is to provide direction and input where I have advocated walkability, protected bike lanes, dedicated bus lanes, and benefits of a high capacity transit system. In addition I support tree shade canopy and champion further identity markers like signature development designs and preservation of historic signs including protections of existing neighborhoods behind Stevens Creek.
What is the status of the relationship between the two cities regarding this area?
Becker: The status of this area is improving. Before I was on the council it was adversarial and what many called a “Turf war” which included a lawsuit between the two cities regarding Santana North development. Since I’ve been on council I’ve improved our relationships with neighboring cities by working collaboratively rather than contradictory. Being on various local external city council committees like the Stevens Creek Corridor Steering Committee gives me a chance to mend relationships with all of our neighboring cities like San Jose and Cupertino. We may be separated by city borders, yet we are in this together.
What actions would you take with respect to the long-stalled Related project? What is your opinion of Related’s new plan?
Becker: Phase 1 was supposed to be complete with Phase 2 shortly behind. Nothing has happened in a decade. I’d like for the project to start after several delays. We must hold Related accountable for the lack of producing a project for so long. I hear a lot of concerns from our community that Related is not paying their fair share after the type of deal they got. I have a concerning opinion of the new plan where changes in the plan could potentially affect our entertainment district. In addition I’m waiting to hear from the community about this new plan.
What would you do to promote a collegial and respectful city council?
Becker: Day one I’ve faced major opposition and hostility from certain members on the council. I’ve been fair and made efforts to try to work with everyone on Council, yet there’s members who refuse to work with me. I’ll continue to try and break through barriers. The goal is to get along and make compromises. I’ve had disagreements with other Councilmembers and still can get along. Councilmembers shouldn’t have to defend themselves from inappropriate unsustained accusations and personal attacks from the dais. Bottom line: I’ll always promote a collegial and respectful council that makes compromises and works together for Santa Clarans.
What are your thoughts on negative campaigning? Unless you support such campaigning, how do you plan to address the inevitable campaigns targeting your opponents? If you support such campaigning, please explain why.
Becker: Negative campaigning has always been a political tool in our elections. Criticism is often misinterpreted as attacks or negativity, I’ve seen the line crossed. I want respectful campaigns where issues and policies will be discussed rather than politics. Focus should be on what candidates support or oppose; not destroying reputations. My opponents, which I’d rather call my neighbors or fellow Santa Clarans and I, are all running for love of our city and a better tomorrow; we all just have a different interpretation of how we achieve that. From day-one, politics are not a priority, my priorities are Santa Clarans.
How can Santa Clara benefit from hosting the Super Bowl and the World Cup? What do you plan to do to ensure this?
Becker: When you hear football announcers Jim Nantz, Mike Tirico or Joe Buck say the words “here in Santa Clara”, you can’t help but feel proud of our city and community. Having two world class events will further put our city on the map. We have a truly amazing community that is the melting pot of the bay area with such rich diversity and hosting these world events where both football and futbol is popular around the world. The opportunity to host these games will reap the economic benefits while at the same time not violating Measure J.
What initiatives have you supported during your tenure on council that demonstrate your priorities?
Becker: Ended costly CVRA voting rights lawsuit and other litigation. I’m accessible and provide exceptional customer service serving the people. Downtown Precise Plan–was adopted with my support as the first big step for the future new downtown. Reducing deficits-when I was elected we had a $27 million+ deficit which since has reduced to $0.9 million. My plan is to eliminate remaining deficit and further enhance revenue streams like we did with Measure H business license tax- which has generated much-needed revenue. Infrastructure Bond measure I’ve advocated for since my first council campaign in 2016 to accommodate the growing infrastructure needs.
Election day is Nov. 5, 2024. To register to vote, visit the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters website. The deadline to register to vote is 15 days before the election.
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