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

City of Mountain View

IdaRose Sylvester

https://www.idarosesylvester.com

My policies on housing, economic vitality, and climate protection support families and children today, and create a more sustainable world for our future, and a community our children and their children can build a wonderful life.

  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?

    Housing stability is critical for supporting families. I will create more affordable housing, protect rent control, protect tenant rights, support community ownership housing, and build more middle income housing, so that families have housing security.
    We need to provide more small business support, since women are a significant portion of our business owners. Removing burdens preventing women from thriving in their business is critical. So are workforce development programs, like “mompreneurs,” which train women and help them find economic vitality.
    We need improved infrastructure for our families, including more, and modernized parks, and safer roads, including safe walking and biking.

  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?

    I will turn our city’s pilot childcare program for employees into a permanent program, and expand it to include staff, council, and advisory body members who work after normal working hours. I will also seek incentives for our private employers to encourage them to have onsite daycare and preschools. I also want to expand our workforce development program to include daycare and early education certification, and ultimately the creation on nonproft childcare options.

  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?

    Housing near good schools that have academic excellence, enrichment programs, and adequate support staff is one significant way city councils can help reduce the achievement gap. We also need to ensure continued funding to our safety net organizations, like CSA, that provide food and housing security support to families, so that no child goes hungry or fears losing their home. Our Recreation Division can also continue to provide youth programming, and expand it, and offer it at no cost, using our City’s Outreach teams to make sure parents know about the programs.

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

    I will advocate for increased funding for specialized educational programs and support services. I will work to expand access to inclusive recreational programming and community spaces, like Magical Bridge, across all our parks and other facilities, as well as ensure better accessibility in public infrastructure, including our sidewalks, parks and pools, and public buildings. Collaboration with disability advocacy groups and families is also critical to inform policies that address the specific challenges families face.

  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?

    I served on the CHAC board for a few years, through its ultimate merger with Pacific Clinics, and prioritized finding a partner that would provide local services to families. These services are CRITICAL in our community. The number one thing City Council can do is provide funding for programs that serve schools and families, and require those programs to be accessible, free, and culturally-sensitive. The same is true about well being. City Council should provide funding to those who support healthy, nutritious food for families, and support funding for free school lunches. Funding requires good partnerships with County, State, and Federal officials.