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Measure Q Protect, preserve, and expand public access to open space Santa Clara County Open Space Authority 2/3 Approval Required
See Also:
Index of all Measures |
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Results as of Dec 28 11:41am, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (730/730) |
Information shown below: Yes/No Meaning | Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Full Text | |||||
To protect and preserve natural open space areas for future generations by: improving parks, open spaces and trails; protecting land around creeks, rivers and streams to prevent pollution and improve local water quality; preserving wildlife habitat; expanding public access; enhancing environmental education; and protecting scenic hillsides, shall Santa Clara County Open Space Authority levy a special tax of $24 annually per parcel for 15 years, with citizen oversight and all funds benefitting local open space?
The Governing Board (Board) for Santa Clara County Open Space Authority (District) proposes Measure Q, a parcel tax to be levied at $24 per parcel per year for a period of 15 years. If approved, the parcel tax will commence on July 1, 2015 and expire on June 30, 2030. The parcel tax shall not levied on any property that is legally exempt from paying ad valorem property taxes in any tax year. State law requires the District to state the specific purposes for which the tax proceeds will be used and only spend the proceeds of the tax for these purposes. The stated purposes of the tax proposed by Measure Q are to: (1) protect open space, redwood forests, wildlife habitat, scenic hillsides and agricultural land; (2) protect land around creeks, rivers and streams to prevent pollution and improve local water quality; (3) open, improve and maintain parks, open space and trails; and (4) provide urban open space, parks and environmental educational programs. The District is required by law to provide additional accountability measures for the proceeds. These measures include: (1) depositing the proceeds into a fund that is separate and apart from other District funds; and (2) providing an annual written report to the Board detailing the amount of funds collected and expended and the status of any project authorized to be funded from the tax proceeds. The Board will establish an independent advisory committee of citizens to review the expenditures authorized by Measure Q. Measure Q was placed on the ballot by the Board. A "yes" vote is a vote to approve a parcel tax of $24.00 per parcel on parcels within the District for 15 years. A "no" vote is a vote to not approve a parcel tax of $24.00 per parcel on parcels within the District for 15 years.
Orry P. Korb
By: /s/ Susan Swain
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Arguments For Measure Q | Arguments Against Measure Q | ||
We are fortunate to enjoy beautiful open vistas, parks, trails and unique
natural areas right here in Santa Clara Valley.
From urban parks to scenic hillsides, the open spaces we preserve are a legacy for our children and grandchildren. They ensure protected natural areas and access to local trails. Vote Yes on Q to preserve open space for current and future generations, so local residents can experience nature here in Silicon Valley. Measure Q will:
As our region continues to grow, protecting scenic hillsides, open spaces, and creeks and streams is increasingly important to maintain our high quality of life in Santa Clara County. Business and community leaders agree that open space makes Santa Clara County a wonderful place to work and live. Parents and educators agree that access to open space is essential for hands on science education and places for kids to explore nature. Please join us: Vote Yes on Q to protect the natural areas that make Silicon Valley a beautiful place to live, now and in the future. For more information about Measure Q supporters and a map of priority open space preservation projects, visit http://YesforSCVopenspace.org.
/s/ Zoe Lofgren
/s/Rod Diridon, Sr.
/s/Gloria Chun Hoo
/s/ Steve Tate
/s/Carl Guardino
OSA is redundant. It claims to preserve wildlife habitat; however, we now have Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency to comprehensively perform that function. Due to its extensive, countywide studies of species' habitats, it will acquire land in a sensible manner; not by OSA's checkerboard approach. As to protecting land around creeks and streams to keep out toxins: Santa Clara County and Santa Clara Valley Water District are front and center in this effort, alongside the Regional Water Quality Control Board. They have permitting processes, policing resources, and expertise to do the job in a first-class manner. As to preserving agricultural land: county, state, and regional resources are fully in place to protect this vital economic activity. OSA is unnecessary. Does OSA protect redwood forests? Give us a break! What are they going to do--shoo away red-headed woodpeckers? OSA is a bit player in fields well handled by specialized agencies already in place. We already pay for these protections through our state and local taxes. Don't authorize more taxation, to reward a redundant agency of amateur status. VOTE "NO" ON MEASURE Q.
Please visit:
/s/Omar Chatty
/s/ Edward Leo Wimmers
/s/ Elizabeth C. Brierly
/s/ Steven B. Haug | If you thought the Open Space Authority (OSA) was protecting your "view shed"---think again. Much of its property in the Diablo Range is east of the western ridgeline. Of the vast areas that OSA has in the Santa Cruz hills, only small areas are visible from the valley floor. The large parcels here are not only out of sight, but out of reach--to all but the most avid hikers. What's going on? A new dynastic bureaucratic-elite is now enjoying its vast spread of land. The land for the most part is so steep that only a small fraction of our citizens can ever enjoy it. OSA calls the trail up to Sierra Vista "bracing". The OSA is already taxing typical homeowners $12 a year, and for 2014- 2015 will raise $4,216,965. OSA's Engineer's Report shows an "ESTIMATE OF COSTS" for the year. Only $80,000 is earmarked for land acquisition. But $4,228,254 is for "General Operating Expenses" of which $1.9M is for payroll and another $0.82M for benefits. The OSA staff is very well paid. Now they want to get an ADDITIONAL $24 per year from us. If they do, how long do you think it will take for the "General Operating Expenses" to double and then triple to keep this bloated bureaucracy in place? Six years ago, the California Supreme Court unanimously held that OSA's $20 "assessment" was unlawful; OSA Illegally took over $50M from us. But OSA ended up keeping over $30M, which has allowed its annual expenditures since then to exceed income; and now they are using a big slice of these ILL-GOTTEN GAINS to run an expensive "EDUCATIONAL" effort to get your favorable vote on this measure. Tell OSA "NO"! Vote "No" on Measure Q. Please visit our website: http://www.SVTaxpayers.org/2014-11-scc-open-space-tax
/s/Omar Chatty
/s/ Edward Leo Wimmers
/s/ Elizabeth C. Brierly
/s/ Steven B. Haug
A plan to preserve and expand open space, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities in Santa Clara County, Measure Q is the result of years of public input. It's our community's plan to protect our natural heritage and quality of life.
Measure Q protects nature for future generations as Silicon Valley
grows.
Measure Q means more access to nature.
Open Space protects clean water sources.
Measure Q funds stay local and cannot be taken by the state. Open space that surrounds our communities makes Santa Clara County a desirable place to live, work and raise a family. Join us--vote Yes on Q.
/s/Cindy Chavez
/s/ Lan Nguyen
/s/ Laurie Smith
/s/ Evan Low
/s/ Jim Cunneen |
Full Text of Measure Q |
Full Text |