City of Campbell, District 4

Elliot Scozzola

I believe that the city governments of the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the most prosperous regions of the richest nation on earth, should make it their duty to ensure that struggling families and their children have their basic needs met while living here.

In a recent poll by Choose Children 2022 of likely general election voters, more than half of parents with children under age 18 say they are likely to move out of the Bay Area in the next few years. What do you think are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?

We need to prioritize more affordable housing in this region, make sure that every child has enough healthy food to eat, and increase after school programs. I believe that this combination of efforts will give much needed relief for struggling families and prevent many of them from leaving our community.
As we have learned over the past three years, without quality, affordable, childcare, parents can’t go to work. What will you do to address challenges accessing childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?

Child care costs are out of control. Many families are unable to afford it and often end up being forced to leave the workforce to take care of their children at home. If elected to City Council, I would push for increased funding of our after school programs. This will allow for a wider variety of programs as well as the ability to serve a larger segment of the community - more kids in more classes! These classes would focus on sports, science, technology, arts, reading, math, and other skills that promote learning and team building. I would also work with the City to ensure that lower income families receive a reduced or possibly free rate for these after school programs.
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 would attempt to establish a food pantry for residents of the community who are lacking healthy food, and attempt to increase the amount of after school programs, with lower income families receiving reduced fees or waived altogether.
What steps will you take to support inclusion and outcomes for children with special needs or with disabilities and their families to be fully included in our community?

I support programs that are already in existence such as the renovation of our local parks to create more inclusive play areas. I would also support additional funding toward programs and events designed to cater toward children with special needs or with disabilities and their families; encouraging the entire community to come out and participate.
There is a mental health crisis among children, youth, and those who care for and educate them. If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve access to mental and behavioral health services?

I believe that the best way to improve the mental health of children is to ensure that their basic nutritional, educational, and housing needs are met. This forms a strong foundation for any child, and it's been proven that children who lack these things are most at risk of developing mental illness. I will fight to meet those needs within our community, and in doing so will help reduce the case-loads of mental health workers who are often overburdened and unable to give their full attention to patients.