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Written by PI Readers
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Friday, 03 October 2008 |
League supports Measure S
EDITOR,
The League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County supports Measure S — the Better Roads-Safer Streets Program — on the Nov. 4 ballot.
With this measure, everyone in the county has something to gain. The measure proposes a half-cent sales tax for the next 20 years dedicated to street and road improvements in the county and its nine cities. It could generate as much as $700 million for local and regional transportation needs.
League members examined the provisions of Measure S. We recognize that an effective and efficient transporatation system is essential for economic development and job generation, and that the proposal represents important steps toward cooperative, regional planning.
The proponents sought input from various stakeholders to develop an expenditure plan. The plan allocates 50 percent of the funds to the nine cities for local street upgrades, repair and maintenance. Forty-nine percent of the funds will provide for the county’s road system and development of three east-west connector corridors.
Two of these, Highway 108 and Highway 132, could benefit from the county’s qualifying as a self-help county to obtain state matching funds to jumpstart the improvements.
Administrative expenses are limited to 1 percent of the tax proceeds.
Though the lack of a provision for alternative transportation modes — public transit, paratransit for elderly and disabled, incentives to reduce automobile use — is a serious concern, we agree that the overall upgrade of the county’s transportation system warrants support at this time.
Important parts of the plan assure that the public’s interest is protected. The expenditure plan is for 10 years and will be reviewed and revised for the following 10. There is an amendment process to modify the plan. There is a representative watchdog citizens’ oversight committee, which will audit the plan’s implementation each year.
Transportation funding is complex, unpredictable and often short-sighted. Measure S enables Stanislaus County and its communities to take control of their transportation systems to catch up from the past and plan for the future. Passage requires approval by two thirds of the county’s voters, so every vote counts.
We urge a yes vote on Measure S.
— Ellen Meyer, President, Stanislaus County League of Women Voters, and Patty Beyer, Local Action Director, Stanislaus County League of Women Voters
Shame on Molina
EDITOR,
Luis Molina works for Stanislaus County as a school readiness coordinator and is a member of the County Board of Education. With Mr. Molina being in the education field, we are appalled that he would make any reference to taking up an M-16 and going down and raising hell.
It doesn’t matter in what context it was used. M-16s are banned assault rifles!
With the issues we have had in our schools in Patterson and nationally, Mr. Molina is setting the worst example for our children. If he is not ashamed for himself, believe us, we are plenty ashamed for him.
— Mimi Draper and Sandy McDowell, Patterson
‘No’ on school bond
EDITOR,
I would like to join the other people who have written in to object to Patterson school bonds as unfair to land owners. I am already paying on three bond issues that consist of nearly 10 percent of my tax bill, and now they want more in this tough economic time.
I would urge everyone to vote against these bonds, as well as the county sales tax increase and any propositions that involve spending.
Enough is enough.
— Wayne W. Holcombe, Patterson
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