The following testimony was presented to the Fremont City Council in November, 2004 by Miriam Keller.

Good evening.  I am Miriam Keller and I represent the League of Women Voters of Fremont, Newark and Union City.  As a reminder, the League is non partisan and never endorses a candidate or party.

The League has no position on which to recommend a method for choosing a council member for a vacant seat.  However, we can offer you guidelines on what to look for in a candidate to fill the vacancy.

Here are some question for you to consider:

• Will the candidate serve the whole commuity?  Does the candidate understand and will s/he consider the needs of the various areas and neighborhoods of the city?



• What issues are important to the candidate?  Public safety, maintaining neighborhoods, supporting business, redevelopment, affordable housing, land use issues, fiscal issues such as budget and taxes?



• What experience and background does the candidate bring to the job?   How long has s/he lived here?  Are they up to date in their knowledge of current issues?  Is there a history of broad community involvement?



• What are the candidate’s qualifications?  Is s/he respectful and fair?    Does s/he display concern for the city’s residents?  Is s/he responsible and trustworthy?  Does s/he demonstrate leadership qualities?   Does the candidate have the ability and/or the experience to analyze complex issues such as land use and the budget?



• How well does s/he communicate with the other council members?  With staff?  With the city’s residents?

• Listens



• Responds to the community



• Consults with experts



• Speaks to a range of issues



• Bases decisions on what is best for the whole community



• Can accept compromise



• Is accessible