Santa Clara County Voter's Guide On Children's Issues

City of Santa Clara, District 6

Anthony J Becker

https://votebecker2024.com/

As an elected leader it is my duty to leave this planet & community in a better place than how I found it. It is my duty to make a brighter tomorrow for all to thrive.

  1. Over 80% of voters polled say they want elected officials to prioritize children and families. What are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?

    Top 3 issues are: Cost of Housing; Cost of education & childcare; The cost of goods like food & clothes. The biggest concern I hear from parents is the cost of housing . They worry about the future where they or their children will live. Additionally, the cost of education has gotten so expensive that it impacts the cost of living. All this locally creates shortages of Childcare services. Childcare professionals have not got raises & the state should accommodate this. Food Stamps or food assistance also have been at an all time high. As a Councilmember I can advocate to our state officials on better programs that help our community thrive for those disadvantaged.

  2. High quality childcare improves school readiness and parents' workforce participation. What will you do to improve access to high quality childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?

    As a City Council, we passed a resolution in support of Childcare for All on August 27th, 2024. I have attended a BACCN meeting in my district about the needs in childcare readiness. I will make myself accessible to connect community members to sources of childcare including advocating for more childcare facilities in the city. With a growing city there is the growing need for childcare.

  3. Much of the student achievement gap has been linked to the opportunity gap that children in low-income families and children of color confront (e.g., lack of access to healthy food, preschool, tutors, and enrichment activities). If elected, what will you do to increase equity of opportunity?

    I 100% relate to the opportunity gaps that many in low-income experience. I’m low income & I have the privilege to serve as Councilmember in the most expensive region. There's a major need for assistance by state & local levels for access to healthy foods, high quality preschools and tutors. My job on the city council is to bring actual affordable housing for low income residents, while another priority of mine is internet equity. Kids/young adults going to school need access to the internet and most internet providers are expensive. We need to close the digital divide. I believe the city partnering with an internet company will provide equitable internet access for all.

  4. What steps will you take to improve inclusion and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families in our community?

    Recently a resident from my district reached out to me about people with disabilities, specifically young people with disabilities getting out into nature. The young woman just graduated high school and began to go semi-blind. She wants to visit county parks, however VTA’s ParaTransit services charge for county parks outside of the zone. This cost is a burden to people like her and her family. Everyone needs nature and needs access to it. It’s good for the mind, body and soul. So I took initiative and addressed our County Supervisor and State Senator about a possible pilot project to allocate miles per year to disabled individuals of all ages to take them to nature in our county parks.

  5. If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve children's well-being and access to mental and behavioral health services?

    Since I have been on council I have been focused on affordable housing, transitional housing for the unhoused families and getting individuals the access to mental health services. With Councilmember Kevin Park we walked the creeks to listen to those living in the creeks and listened to runaway youth at the Covenant house on El Camino Real. I understand the needs and the solutions are simple. Reduce the stigma of being unhoused. I see and speak to families that have or are living in motorhomes. That is no quality of life, and being a councilmember relating to the people gives me the ability to vote on items that provide a more equitable future for the current and next generation.