City of San José, District 8

Domingo Candelas

https://www.domingocandelas.com

I am running for City Council with a clear vision: safe communities, clean streets, and strong neighborhoods. As Councilmember, I will focus on improving the quality of life for families and children by being responsive to constituents, investing in our parks, and creating more opportunities for recreation in our libraries and community centers.

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?

   The top three issues affecting our children and families are: the increasing cost of living in San Jose, the lack of after-school recreation and literacy programs, and the public safety of our city.
   
   I will prioritize building more housing of all types and help connect families with resources to keep families and children in their homes instead of being priced out of our city. I will invest in more quality programming at our libraries and community centers to keep children active and on a path towards higher education. I will focus on public safety issues so that families feel safer in their homes and walking in their neighborhoods.
   

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?

   Quality childcare is a critical component for children and families to thrive in San Jose. I have strong partnerships with the School Boards, County Board of Supervisors and the State legislature to ensure that programs that support families and children stay funded. As Councilmember, I will help families navigate and gain access to these programs, and improve the funding for programs that are at-risk.

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 will continue providing support and resources to enhance their education. This is rooted in strong partnerships with our school boards and our office of education. As a proud graduate of a public school system and a son of Mexican immigrants I understand firsthand the challenges our children confront.

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

   Providing an inclusive environment for children and families of all backgrounds is important. My work in the legislature for state senator Jim Beall is an example. There is a lot more work to do to make sure that our families with differently-abled children have the same opportunity to succeed. I was proud to help champion the children and youth services master plan in the city of San Jose. It begins with providing that support and recognizing the challenges. My job as a city Councilmember is to maximize the opportunity for our children and provide the resources to support our county, school board and service providers.

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?

   This is critically important! Just last week I provided a $100,000 allocation from the city of San Jose to the Evergreen School District for mental health centers in three schools: https://tinyurl.com/learninginevergreen . This is the example of the support I have provided and will continue to provide.