For $39 year, we can help keep children healthy and our roads in
good shape. That’s why we endorse Measure A and Measure B.
For $39 year, we can help keep children healthy and our roads in good shape. That’s why we endorse Measure A and Measure B.
For nearly a decade, Santa Clara County has provided healthcare insurance for thousands of children. Now, this nationally recognized program is in peril. Yes on Measure A, which requires two-thirds voter approval, would provide a sustainable source of funds to maintain this program for another 10 years. It will protect and maintain children’s health and prevent serious illnesses through regular medical checkups, immunizations and early detection.
Early treatment makes sense medically and financially as children who get early treatment don’t usually depend on the county’s emergency rooms or clinics for help. That saves us all precious tax dollars. This program allows the county to enroll eligible children in federal or state health programs leveraging an additional $24 million in local funding. The $29 annual parcel tax will ensure all eligible children have access to health care.
To ensure the program is run efficiently, the county would be required to keep on file annual reports stating the amount of funds collected and spent, and the status of any project authorized to be funded. A Citizens Oversight Committee would be established to review the annual report each year to ensure that the tax funds were spent in compliance with the specific purposes approved by the voters. The funds collected and spent would also be subject to an annual audit.
A yes on Measure B would mean an estimated $14 million for next year, with 95 percent returned to local cities based on population. Proceeds of this fee would be used to repair potholes, repave and maintain local streets, improve traffic flow on local roads; improve safety; pay for other congestion and pollution mitigation projects; and provide matching funds for federal and state funding. The money cannot be used for any other purpose and all of it will remain in Santa Clara County.
Finally, Proposition C would impose term limits on Santa Clara Valley Water District board members, but the terms selected – the same as those imposed on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors – are only term limits in name and proposed by district staff and approved by board members to stave off real term limits. The measure would limit the number of terms to three successive four-year terms. A member may serve for any terms or terms after at least four years of absence in which the member has not served as board member.
The problem is the apathy voters have with the water district, allowing directors to serve multiple terms despite a slew of controversy surrounding the agency. It’s up to the voters to decide if four, or eight years is enough.
A more effective practice might be for voters vote out incumbents unless persuaded otherwise by the particular candidate. More good persons would run for local office if voters paid more attention.
Come Nov. 2, vote yes on Measure A and B, and no on Proposition C.
