Vote Yes on Measure B

Dear Editor,

I would like to rebut the opinion article which appeared in this paper entitled, “Don’t Hamstring Supervisors on Parks Money Issue” by Lisa Pampuch. In this article Pampuch mentions that Measure B 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 Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will be hampered if Measure B passes. 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 parks charter 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.  

The fund directs the supervisors to allot a small percentage of the general fund, less than 1 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 please vote yes on parks. Vote yes on Measure B today.

Steven Crockett, San Jose