Q&A: Environment, democracy, and women’s rights

What environmental initiative will you vigorously support and pledge to accomplish in the next two years?

Climate change is real, and electrification is a key response. Though court rulings have limited mandates, we can create incentives and streamline adoption. Los Altos can lead by innovating solutions others can follow, while ensuring green policies consider the needs of older neighbors on fixed incomes.

What are some practical steps the city council and city management can take to strengthen democracy?

City council and city management can strengthen democracy by prioritizing transparency, promoting public participation (e.g., special meetings about districting), ensuring accountability through ethics policies and audits, improving civic education, fostering diverse representation, and leveraging technology for citizen engagement and communication. These steps build trust and encourage active involvement. 

How will you promote career paths for women at City Hall to ensure equal opportunity for advancing to leadership positions?

Start with recruiting, ensuring women are part of diverse candidate sets. Clarify each employee’s goals and advancement through direct manager and mentor communications (avoid unspoken assumptions). Promote flexible work-life balance, celebrating family (positive for everyone). Support helping women after career breaks to bring back their valuable experience into the workforce.

Los Altos Town Crier coverage of the nominee answers.