Meet City Council Candidate Donna Austin

Editor's note: All six candidates were invited to provide to Cupertino Patch a biography and candidate statement. We are running the statements in order in which they were received.

This is 's bio and statement. Only minor edits for this website's management system were changed.

Biography

I was born and raised in the Santa Clara Valley. At 17, I entered the convent and became a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and taught in Catholic schools. After 12 years of service, I left the order, before earning Bachelor's and Master's Degrees and a Teaching Credential, and taught for many years.

My eight years on the Planning Commission helped me to understand the planning process and about land use in Cupertino. Keeping our neighborhoods safe, and connected is very important aspect of our city; which is why I strongly support our Block Leader and Neighborhood Watch programs.

The Chamber of Commerce named me a Citizen of The Year and awarded me the coveted Star Award this year. I'm a member of the League of Women Voters, Cupertino Historical Society, the Stocklmeir Task Force, Quota of Cupertino, the Cupertino Library Foundation; and I strongly support the legacy farm concept at McClellan Ranch, the Neighborhood Watch Program and Disaster Preparedness; and West Valley Community Service.

I'm a Lector and Eucharistic Minister for St. Joseph's of Cupertino Church. The City honored me with a CREST Award for my volunteer endeavors. As an editor and online editor of The C Magazine I have had the great pleasure of meeting many residents, and hearing about their hopes, wishes and concerns for our city.

My husband Scot and I have lived in Cupertino for 34 years; we have twin daughters who attended our excellent schools, and four grandchildren.

Candidate Statement

As a 34 year resident, parent, former planning commissioner, retired teacher, and community activist, I have a balanced perspective of our city and as a member of our city council I will work to promote cooperation and consensus. And that’s why I am asking for your vote.

Cupertino is a wonderful place to live with great schools, neighborhoods, parks and hillsides. I want to keep Cupertino that way by supporting our neighborhood programs, green city living and our hillside ordinance.

Our city is fiscally strong because of revenue from our large employers, first class hotels and restaurants. As your Council member I will promote a strong retail base so citizens who live and work here can purchase everything they need in Cupertino keeping our tax dollars at home and helping to support vital city services.

I will foster collaboration with our schools, neighborhoods and the city to assure adequate student classroom ratios maintaining our community record of excellence in education.

In these difficult times I believe that strong, competent leadership is needed to solve the problems of today and face the challenges of tomorrow. I believe with your support I can provide that leadership.

For more information please visit www.donna4cupertino.com