Rebuttal to Argument for Measure S

• PROPERTY TAXPAYERS should be aware, that MEASURE S raises $75 million but cost approximately $150.5 million in property tax increases over 35 years, and makes no financial sense.  The so called "independent" oversight committee does not protect San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District taxpayers. Auditors hired by the board of trustees and the oversight committee will have no independent authority.

• MEASURE S demands the absolute maximum of $60 per $100,000 of assessed value. This is the limit within the State of California for a K-12.

• MEASURE S provides a vague Project List. Costs for these facility improvement projects are ill-defined. Measure S doesn’t guarantee which facility improvements and repairs will be completed or in what order.

• MEASURE S doesn’t clearly state in the ballot text the actual number of years the $150.5 million debt will be imposed on the San Lorenzo Valley property taxpayers.

• MEASURE S is misleading. It lacks details. Voters need this information to make an informed choice. 

• MEASURE S imposes a debt burden of $150.5 million on all property owners. Two existing bond measures were passed to repair, upgrade and construct new buildings. Examples are the Library and Performing Arts Center in 2008. The District wishes to draw down $4.3 million per year. These expenses should be funded from the approximately $100 million plus annual revenue stream. Student enrollment at San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District has been declining in recent years.    

• MEASURE S adds a significant property tax burden, layered on top of all the other special district taxes and other County charges. It increases the cost of living in San Lorenzo Valley during uncertain economic times.

Vote No on MEASURE S

John Patrick O’Reilly                                                                            

Gordon Stewart, Jr.         

Dennis Tracy

Etta L. Kinney       

Mark D. Lee