Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, District 5

Margaret C. Abe-Koga

https://www.mak4supervisor.com

As a mother and former County School Boardmember, I place highest priority in promoting healthy, strong families by providing the support that they need and deserve in order to thrive in our high cost, high stress community. Also the health, well-being and education needs of children should be addressed in a child-centered manner.

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?

   - Meeting and accessing basic needs (housing, food, health services) in our extremely high-cost region. We need to continue to provide affordable housing options by building more units and providing rental financial assistance; improving access to healthy and affordable food, and to quality and affordable healthcare.
   - High quality education -working with the school districts and the County Office of Education to provide supportive services – case management where needed, mental health services, and other wrap around services for children and families in need so children can learn at their maximum potential.
   - Affordable, accessible, high quality childcare (discussed in next question)
   

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?

   - Partner with organizations such as “Build the Future,” rather than reinvent the wheel.
   -Encourage the creation of different types of childcare options to serve our diverse community.
   -Review processes in starting a childcare center and eliminate barriers to starting and or operating a childcare business, especially home based facilities such as with permitting, regulations, fees.
   -Look for resources to build and convert more childcare facilities for 0-4 year old care where the great need lies.
   -Seek financial assistance opportunities for low income families so they can access childcare.
   -Seek partnerships with community foundations, corporations.
   

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?

   -Continue to support an equity lens as the County analyzes policies.
   -Advocate for the County to continue to make resources accessible for non-English speakers.
   -While some believe D5 is less needy than other districts, I know there are pockets of poverty and inequity in our district including in my home city of Mountain View. I’ll advocate for culturally congruent services that serve children and families living in these pockets.
   -Work closely with the County Office of Education and school districts to opportunities for children.
   --Support important community-centered initiatives such as Community Health Workers/Promotoras, and community clinics that help families navigate services.

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

   I look forward to working with nonprofits such as the Silicon Valley Independent Living Center and Parents Helping Parents, as well as the County Office of Disability Affairs to build upon their work and improve inclusion and outcomes for children with disabilities. I will work to create opportunities for children with disabilities and their families to share their lived experiences and advocate for stronger policies.

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?

   The County and the Behavioral Health Contractors’ Association, and its members, must work in partnership to improve youth well-being and access to services. Our local schools and our health and hospital systems (Kaiser, El Camino, Stanford, et al) are critical partners as well, as well as groups such as NAMI. I will convene education, mental/behavioral health, and lived experience representatives regularly to strengthen partnerships and work together to identify challenges and formulate strategies to improve access to childrens’ well-being and mental/behavioral health services.