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No on RR
Why is it that of all the Bay Area mass transit systems funded via sales taxes, that Caltrain is the only one that now wants a $100 million tax increase in order to “survive”? Contrary to claims of Measure RR supporters, Caltrain has for decades received its operating funds via sales tax subventions from the three counties it serves and there is nothing to prevent it from continuing to do so.
Building and operating transportation systems in a built-out environment like the Peninsula is horrendously expensive, and that is the reason proponents seek the broadest possible tax source to fund it. The problem is that this practice continues to hide the costs of transportation, thereby increasing demand and the need to subsidize more of it. If the primary need for more trains is to reduce auto congestion on freeways, then the cost should be borne by something related to commuting, such as fuel taxes or parking fees.
Stanford University has a very successful commute alternatives program, and passing the costs of “free” parking along to employees is an integral part of it. Unfortunately the large employers that want us to vote yes on RR have no plans to end subsidized parking for its employees. It is time to say no to broad taxation for transportation services and shift to a user fee model so that the costs are borne in proportion to use.
Eric Gilbertson
Menlo Park
SCC board of education race
Thank you for your article outlining the funding sources of the Santa Clara County Board of Education Area 1 race. The facts show that 75% of Melissa Baten Caswell’s contributions are from change-seeking local constituents, which is a stark contrast to the 14% Grace Mah has received locally. (As of Oct. 22) Grace has received roughly $240,000 in outside charter school PAC contributions (79% of what she has raised in total) and makes me question hard who she will truly serve.
Area 1 needs someone who serves local students and not outside interests. As an LASD trustee, I can tell you that Grace does not provide that service. Grace only attends charter-related meetings. While it is a hot topic, it is not our focus. Educational equity and serving all district students are. Not once has Grace contacted us to support this. Furthermore, 27 out of 30 local trustees agreeL Grace does not represent local interests.
Melissa has a record of representing her constituency on PAUSD and the Santa Clara County School Boards Association. She is the change we need.
Jessica Speiser
Governing board member, Los Altos School District Board of Trustees
No on 15
I read with interest the letter (“Yes on Prop 15,” Oct. 9) supporting Proposition 15, which would tax commercial property at its “highest and best use” value without regard to any change in ownership. The writer pointed out that large properties like Disneyland are getting a special break, and that 40% of the money raised would be earmarked for education. I also read carefully an opposing guest opinion (“Vote no on Proposition 15,” Oct. 23) arguing that much of the increased tax bill would be paid by small businesses due to the tax pass-through provisions of their leases. It occurs to me that other unintended consequences, such as private clubs being forced to sell and develop long-held open spaces, would also befall us. But although I oppose Prop 15 it’s not because I know exactly what the effects will be; instead, it’s because I don’t. No one does.
Like many other propositions that have to use broad terms to shift tax policy and lock in categories of public spending, it’s anyone’s guess what the collateral damage might be. When we consider complex changes like this (as opposed to broad questions of policy like restoring the vote to ex-felons), we should do it through the legislature, which can take the time to study all dimensions of the issue. That’s why we have a representative democracy. Let’s ask our elected representatives to look at the issue in a way that thoughtfully balances competing interests and avoids surprises. In the meantime, vote no on Prop. 15.
Jim Pooley
Portola Valley
Yes on 15
There was a time not long ago when political ads were simply misleading or partially false. In 2020, it seems acceptable for campaigns to make bald-faced lies about candidates and campaigns.
The “No on Prop 15” campaign will have you think that voting yes will mean increasing taxes on homeowners and small businesses. Nothing could be further from the truth. The passage of Prop 15 will lead to the closing of a long-standing tax loophole corporations have used to escape paying their fair share of property taxes in California. Meanwhile, homeowners and small businesses have had to bear the increasing brunt of making up for our state budget shortfalls while corporations continue to evade their obligations to the state and our communities.
Prop 15 will explicitly exempt homeowners and small businesses. In fact, most small businesses will see a reduction in property taxes if the initiative is passed. Prop 15 will reclaim billions every year for our schools, community colleges, and essential local services like fire departments and health care.
Don’t listen to the lies by corporate interests to protect their tax loophole. Let’s put schools and communities first. Vote yes on Prop 15!
James Nguyen
Sunnyvale
Reelect Eshoo
I urge you to reelect Rep. Anna Eshoo. She’s been our representative for 20 years, and always cares deeply about her constituents, persistently and effectively passing legislation that has protected consumer interests, our environment, and our health, for the benefit of all Americans. She also believes in working across the aisle, which is one of the reasons her work is so powerful.
Several years ago, I got to know her personally, collaborating with her on a wide range of issues important to our community. Her willingness to work with me, and my fellow concerned residents, on a very wide range of issues ranging from poverty eradication to special education inspired us and made us know we always have an ally in Washington. She is always willing to meet, always answers emails, and always takes care of requests from her constituents. She is a dynamo in Washington, and also supports us locally.
Please reelect Rep. Eshoo!
IdaRose Sylvester
Jefferson Avenue
Thinking about moving
It felt weird to cheer for rolling blackouts when I read your article, “As forecasted high winds pick up, PG&E to cut power to thousands of San Mateo and Santa Clara county customers” (Published online Oct. 25). But it’s better than the alternative: destroyed homes and cities and unbreathable air.
This fire season has got me thinking about moving, as Sherry Listgarten suggested in her recent post, “Thinking of moving? You’re not alone.” (Published in the Voice’s blog section Oct. 18) Unfortunately, there are not great options for places to go. Colorado and Oregon have been burning. The southeast has been pummeled by hurricanes. Coastal New Jersey, my former home, is flooding frequently.
Unless we do something about climate change, leaving California amounts to running away from something that will catch up with you eventually anyway. And I don’t want to leave California!
Fortunately, we can get climate change under control. We have the technology, we just need the political will. Call your member of Congress and ask them to prioritize climate solutions. Contact the local chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby at cclsvn@gmail.com to learn what else you can do. We can solve climate change together!
Nicholas Robinson
Rengstorff Avenue
In the humongous multi-decade $,$$$,$$$ legal battles between Los Altos School District trustee majorities and Bullis (public) Charter School: most of us are tired of this dear LASD Trustee Speiser!
So, it is with earnest trepidation and gladness that I see Grace Mah is apparently winning back her County Board of Education (District 1) seat. I will join with my former MVWSD Trustee colleague Ellen Wheeler (frenemies) in CELEBRATING Grace’s strong and knowledgeable hand on Pre-K and other educationally important issues of Public Policy (like strong public charter school oversight).