Considering your experience and activities in business, labor, School, professional, social, Commissions, Boards, or other organizations, indicate the experience, training, knowledge and/or skills which qualify you for appointment.
I spent 33 years in high-tech - in marketing I designed programs for the promotion of our products. In sales, I trained and worked with my sales groups to meet financial goals, product presentations to customers. As a realtor, I manage my time, set my goals and work closely with my clients, showing them that I am a realtor that will be with them 'every step' of the way during the home purchase/sale process.
What is your understanding of the purpose of the Commission? It is my understanding that in this position, I will be given studies to review, evaluate and make recommendations to the City Council. These studies will involve our elderly, their health, homelessness (housing), nutrition, recreation, means of transportation. The meetings are monthly.
Please list three issues facing the City that you feel the Council should address.
Homelessness Senior Care Gangs
What is the purpose of historic preservation in San José and what is the role of the Historic Landmarks Commission in achieving that purpose? I believe that the purpose of the historic preservation in San Jose is to protect and conserve those buildings (and homes), landmarks and whatever has historical value - these need to be preserved for future generations.
Please explain your prior experience with historic preservation, with San José’s public planning processes, and in working with City or other public agency staff.
My experience is limited only to selling a property on Willow Street that historically, the exterior can not be modified in any way. I have knowledge of the Roberto Adobe & Sunol House and the fact that it is one of the oldest homes in Santa Clara Valley.Emilie Highley (Optional) Please upload a resume.
Question applies to Senior Citizens Commission
What is a major issue facing San José’s older adults and what do you see as the Commission’s role in this issue?
Health care for the elderly, housing - treating them with dignity. Many elderly have limited financial resources and require substantial support, needing to 'juggle' their resources, SSN, some savings, etc., to cover their rent and food. In some case the elderly need to rely City & County support for meals.
Question applies to Senior Citizens Commission
Please describe a leadership role you have assumed within the last five years.
3 years ago, I assumed the leadership role for youth within our Rotary Club (Interact Clubs made up of high school students). Within this role, I am active with the 5 High Schools that we support - this support comes in the form of being an advisor, promoting community service work projects, promoting attendance to leadership conferences held by Rotary District 5170, supporting these Interactors in their Club meetings, events etc.
Question applies to Senior Citizens Commission
How would you handle differences in opinions or positions on issues being heard at a Senior Commission meeting?
I believe that everyone has their opinion on various issues - opinions need to be heard and evaluated as to the best direction to be taken.
Question applies to Senior Citizens Commission
What makes you knowledgeable about senior issues in the community? Being an advocate to both my deceased husband and the elderly that I care for as well as the elderly that I meet in real estate that need assistance/direction. I truly care for the elderly which involves maintaining their dignity, respecting who they are and providing compassion.
Anything else you would like us to know?
I am an outgoing individual with a great family and support group of friends.
Retirement Board Questions Only
Emilie Highley
Please list three issues facing the City that you feel the Council should address.
Affordable housing Food insecurity Healthcare
Describe recent San José arts activities you have participated in during the last twelve months (up to five activities) and what drew you to attend? All of my activities have been surrounding the work of VHF: Bike build, Stars and Strides, Visiting Regional Hospital during transition, member of the Valley Medical NICU advisory committee.
Describe the ways in which you believe the arts bring value to the general community, and what role should the City of an Jose have in arts and cultural development.
I think the arts (as well as sciences and maths) are critical to SJ. I believe the arts bring us together in a positive way. However, I'd love to see more of a focus on the arts and cultural development in SJ. We have such a robust and diverse community, but it often feels hard to identify the culture of SJ. We have so much goodness to share, I'd love to see this as a more thriving city with all the abilities we have in this area.
Should the City of San José have an active role in arts and cultural development? If so, in what ways and why?
Yes! The city can provide education on how we can improve working across lines of difference. The city can do a lot more to encourage groups to 'play together' in an effort to bring more people out. We need focus on our kids, seniors, and everyone in between. We are such a rich culture of technology and agrigulture and need to raise that visibility to rest of the world. We have something special in SV/SJ/Bay area. We can do so much more with what we have collectively.
How can you contribute to advising City Council on policy and programs related to cultural development in San José?
yes, i'd love to.
What is the purpose of historic preservation in San José and what is the role of the Historic Landmarks Commission in achieving that purpose? I think the purpose is to preserve the history and culture of agriculture across san jose. The commission achieves its purpose through education, advocacy, and civic education.
Please explain your prior experience with historic preservation, with San José’s public planning processes, and in working with City or other public agency staff.
none
Carin T aylor