Q&A: Walter Huff, Candidate for Monte Sereno City Council

Three candidates are vying for your support in the Monte Sereno City Council election Nov. 6, 2012 where there are two seats up for grabs.

They are:

• Incumbent Monte Sereno Mayor Susan Garner
• Businessman Walter Huff
• Attorney Julie Wiltshire

Los Gatos Patch asked the candidates to respond to four questions. Below, you will find responses from Huff. Responses are written by the candidates and have not been edited by Patch.

Los Gatos Patch: What will you do about meeting state requirements for Regional Housing Needs Assessment and diversity of housing?

Walter Huff: Monte Sereno must comply with the state requirements for both multi-unit and low-income housing. Regarding multi-unit, the City Attorney has stated that we only need to zone for 10 to 15 multi-units in our City (which would be 4 or 5 triplexes). Regarding low-income housing, the City Attorney has stated that making some modest changes to our existing rules re granny units would bring our City into compliance.

Patch: What are your thoughts about compensation for Monte Sereno Council members?

Huff: Historically, the Council position has been totally volunteer and unpaid and I am committed to keeping it that way.

Patch: What do you think of Monte Sereno City Manager Brian Loventhal's performance and his staff?

Huff: We are fortunate to have the dedicated City staff that we do, but as a Council member I would investigate any citizen complaints.

Patch: What do you think are the city's three most important issues and what do you intend to do about it, if elected?

Huff: The three most important issues affecting Monte Sereno are:

• Resolving the housing issue in a manner that is consistent with Monte Sereno's historical and quiet lifestyle.
• Working to see that our City receives its fair share of tax revenues which it presently does not.
• Making Highway 9 safer for both bikes and cars by lowering the speed limit.

To reach Huff's candidate statement, please click here.