Dear Editor,
I would like to rebut Lisa Pampuch’s column against Measure B in which she mentioned that it will “tie the elected officials’ hands” and tells them the minimum amount they can spend on parks. This is misleading in that it sounds like the Board of Supervisors would be hampered if Measure B passed. The fact is that on Dec. 6, 2005 the supervisors unanimously approved submitting to the voters a proposed amendment for renewal of the parks charter for another 12 years. Since the supervisors alone cannot extend this charter, they agreed that Measure B should be placed on the June 2006 ballot.
The fund requires a majority voter approval. Furthermore, the fund has been voted on every 12 years since 1972. In addition, the fund has always passed. Â
The fund directs supervisors to allot a small percentage of the general fund, less than one percent, to the Santa Clara County Parks Department. It does not increase taxes or require a new assessment; it just defines the use of monies that are already collected.
The supervisors and the voters in the past have recognized the importance of preserving open space and our county parks. In the next 20 years it is expected that the county will grow by another 400,000 residents. That is why preserving our parks is more important now than ever.
As South County residents, we are fortunate to have so many wonderful parks near us: Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, Mount Madonna, Chitactac Adams, and Anderson Lake being the closest. The fund ensures that our local parks are maintained, developed per their master plan, and grow with additional property being acquired (a good example is the Bear Ranch and Mendoza Ranch properties which are now part of Coyote Lake Park).
If you appreciate being able to hike, ride bikes, ride horses, roller skate, ride off- road motorcycles, or just enjoy the outdoors, then I hope you voted in favor of Measure B.
Steven Crockett, Morgan Hill
