Tuesday presents another opportunity to perform your sacred
democratic duty: vote. Here
’s a recap of our recommendations on the various propositions
and measures citizens will consider on March 2.
Tuesday presents another opportunity to perform your sacred democratic duty: vote. Here’s a recap of our recommendations on the various propositions and measures citizens will consider on March 2.
Measure 2
Measure 2 asks Bay Area residents to approve a fatally flawed regional traffic plan that calls for the expansion and extension of BART service.
The plan commits $484 million to BART, a project that will bankrupt the Valley Transportation Agency, and whose prospects for success, judging by the tepid response BART to SFO has received, are dim at best.
Vote no on Measure 2.
Measure A
Measure A would reorganize responsibility for the county’s Juvenile Hall and Probation Department. The reorganization plan is a key recommendation made by an independent auditor whose scathing report on conditions at Juvenile Hall should make those currently in charge hang their heads in shame.
We can and must do better for our county’s troubled youth.
Vote yes on Measure A.
Measure B
Measure B replaces a $33.66 library parcel tax that will expire in 2005 with a $42 parcel tax. The modest $8.34 increase will help pay for current library operations.
If Measure B fails to get two-thirds approval, our county library system will lose 21 percent of its funding; library patrons will find that their beloved libraries are open fewer hours, are more crowded, offer fewer programs and can purchase fewer new books.
Money raised in every community goes directly to that community’s local library. Let’s keep books, librarians and doors open at our award-winning local libraries – the best bargain in local government.
Vote yes on Measure B.
Measure C
Measure C updates Morgan Hill’s growth control policies so that they are in compliance with its General Plan. It ensures that the city meets a state housing mandate, it encourages development near transit hubs and in the city’s core, and corrects a flawed formula to ensure that growth occurs in a consistent manner.
Let’s make sure Morgan Hill remains a wonderful place to live for years to come. Vote yes on Measure C.
Measure E
Gavilan Community College is asking voters to approve a $108-million bond to allow it to update its Gilroy campus and to expand its Hollister and Morgan Hill facilities. If Measure E receives the needed 55 percent approval for passage, it will add $15 per $100,000 of assessed value for real property.
A strong community college is vital to South Valley’s quality of life. Approving Measure E means that Gavilan Community College will be poised for growth and the challenges the next several decades will bring.
Vote yes on Measure E.
Proposition 55
Prop. 55 asks voters to authorize the issuance of $12.3 billion in bonds to build and remodel schools statewide.
The bond money will be doled out by the California Office of Public School Construction, a panel with no local representation and lacking any local control.
It’s highly unlikely that any South Valley schools will benefit from this bond. In fact, if history is any guide, the process to get the funds will be cumbersome if not outright unfair.
This mammoth bond request comes at a terrible time. California simply cannot afford these bonds.
Vote no on Prop. 55.
Proposition 56
Proposition 56 would allow the state legislature to pass a budget with a 55 percent majority. Under the current two-thirds approval system, the budget process is gridlocked, hampered by late budgets and producing uncertainty and delays for local governments and school districts. Worst of all in a democracy, it has allowed a minority to dictate spending to the majority.
California’s current fiscal mess and high tax burden have occurred under that supposedly better system of two-thirds approval for budgets and taxes. It has obviously failed miserably.
Let’s move closer to majority rule – the successful system designed by the founding fathers.
Vote yes on Proposition 56.
Propositions 57 and 58
No and no. These twin proposals are co-dependent: For either proposition to become law, both must pass.
Prop. 57 which would pay for California’s day-to-day operating expenses with a $15 billion, 15-year mortgage. It’s a plan that financial management 101 student would recognize as foolhardy.
Prop. 58 is a blatant political ploy and a waste of time, paper and effort. It purports to be a balanced budget requirement – but California already has a balanced budget requirement.
Sacramento is addicted to spending and it needs an intervention. That’s what the failure of Prop. 57 would provide. A 13.5 percent spending cut would end California’s budget crisis in 18 months. The state doesn’t need to spend billions of dollars a year in interest to finance $15 billion in bonds.
Vote no on Props. 57 and 58.
Voting is your chance to control the fate of our schools, libraries, governments and more. Agree or disagree with our recommendations, but at least do your patriotic, democratic and civic duty.
One other thing. It is important that you know what you are voting for. Do your homework by reading, listening, thinking and talking to others. Check out the nonpartisan website www.smartvoter.org/ Don’t think you can open your ballot for the first time in the voting booth and make responsible choices.
Vote – smart – on March 2.
