Supervisorial candidate Barbara Koppel
By BARBARA KOPPEL
It is sad that in the last few weeks the newspapers have been filled with frivolous lawsuits and issues which have nothing to do with the future of our magnificent county. I appreciate the opportunity The Courier has given me to discuss what is important in the campaign for county supervisor. Here are my five cornerstones:
Reduce Traffic Congestion
Reducing traffic congestion is of upmost importance, and that is why I am a strong supporter of Measure A on the November ballot. In the past, our communities worked together to help get Highway 85 built. We must now turn our attention to solving our other major areas of traffic congestion. In doing so, however, we must maintain the high quality of life in our neighborhoods by protecting our communities from any resulting noise pollution. Additionally, I will work to ensure that highway safety and maintenance of our public streets remain the highest priority.
Keeping Santa Clara County Safe
A key to ensuring a lower crime rate is to have a highly visible presence by our law-enforcement agencies. A new danger to our community is the potential proliferation of card clubs, which have become a mecca for gambling interests. I will oppose the spread of these clubs into any of our unincorporated areas. Another major problem is the increase in juvenile crime. We must invest resources into youth intervention programs aimed at preventing first-time offenders from turning to a lifestyle of criminal behavior. For repeat young offenders, "tough-love" programs, such as "juvenile boot camps" and the continuation of Boys Ranch will help establish the behavior patterns necessary for these youths to assimilate back into our communities. We must make every effort to reduce gang activity by channeling resources into alternative activities for our youth.
Promote Educational Excellence
Quality education is essential to the prosperity and opportunities in our Valley. Companies demand a well-educated work force, and the best employees will not locate here unless we have quality schools for their children. I have worked with the PTA and Joint Venture Silicon Valley to build a partnership between parents, teachers, schools and business to encourage betters schools. I support the creation and maintenance of classroom environments which are conducive to the learning process.
More and Better Jobs
Silicon Valley is in the forefront of creating exciting and meaningful employment opportunities. We must encourage companies to expand in our valley rather than elsewhere. Government must work with our business interests to create an environment where employment opportunities continue to grow while being sensitive to the environmental consideration within our communities. We must continue a dialogue with high-tech companies to anticipate their needs, so we can provide them with the resources necessary to sustain our vibrant economy.
Quality of Life
Two years ago, I led the effort to keep our libraries open, and I chaired the campaign to buy Blackberry Farm to provide more open space and recreational areas for all of us.
As your supervisor, I will continue those efforts to ensure the highest quality of life for all our citizens. Clean air, open space, safe streets, quality educational institutions and meaningful employment make our county a unique place to live. It is our responsibility to protect and enhance our wonderful quality of life in Santa Clara County.
Barbara Koppel is a candidate for Santa Clara County supervisor.
This article appeared in the Cupertino Courier, October 16, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.