Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Letters

Measure C, development go hand in hand

After hearing a couple of friends say they didn't support the utility-tax proposal on the March 26 ballot but felt they would have to vote for it to prevent overdevelopment of our commercial areas, I became concerned that perhaps there were others who felt the same way.

I'd like to point out that the chief rationale offered by some Measure C proponents is that the tax would be a temporary measure until Los Gatos Boulevard could be developed to its fullest potential. In other words, if you vote for the tax to prevent development, you'll get the tax and development.

Furthermore, records indicate that the town's operating budget in 1982 was roughly $6.2 million. Adjusted for inflation, that's approximately $9.9 million in today's dollars. The 1995 operating budget was about $13.3 million. Clearly, there's room to get more efficient.

As a longtime Los Gatos resident and a senior citizen, I'm voting no on Measure C.

Louise C. Blanton

Los Gatos

Good service levels mean high land values

I have lived in Los Gatos for almost 18 years and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Ours is a special community: Many businesses are owned by residents, and our civic leaders are our neighbors. Our residents care about our community and about each other.

Our next-door neighbor, the city of Campbell, has a slightly larger population and an operating budget more than twice as big as ours. Why this discrepancy? Because Campbell has a Fry's Electronics store, a Home Depot store and many other generators of revenue.

Los Gatos, on the other hand, has been fortunate. Our past and present council members have always been concerned with maintaining the character and charm of the town. They would never consider selling out the small-town atmosphere of our community just to generate much-needed revenue. Because we have good access to our elected officials, they know how we feel.

Last year the Town Council was persuaded by the community to pass a utility-users tax, a move that was completely within the law until a California Supreme Court decision changed that law. A "yes" vote on Measure C will simply reinstate a tax we already approved. It will provide the town with immediate funds to begin a five-year period of orderly economic development, which will ensure that the quality of of services will continue uninterrupted and that development is consistent with the town's character.

Remember, there truly is a connection between our property values and the quality of our services. Please join me and your business and civic leaders, neighbors and friends in voting yes on Measure C. Let's protect and preserve our town.

Sara LeBerge

Los Gatos

Disclosing finances a degrading process

As a senior citizen, I'm particularly concerned about the proposed utility tax on the March 26 ballot. I live in an unincorporated area of the town and will certainly be less likely to support incorporation if the tax passes.

However, my most immediate concern is for my many friends who are also seniors and live within town limits. Month by month, the tax might not look like a lot, but it adds up for someone on a fixed income, and if I had to choose, I would rather continue to buy my own food than to ask the town to provide it for me.

It also seems rather degrading for me to have to reveal all my personal financial information to bureaucrats who are dependent on my taxes for their salaries. I'm urging my friends to vote no on Measure C.

Maxine McMurry

Los Gatos

Utility tax would benefit businesses, not residents

As someone who lives in San Jose, a city with a utility tax, I'd like to take a moment to say that, in my opinion as an outsider, Los Gatos would be better served by finding another way to address its budget problems. Between the phone, cable, electricity, gas and water, I never know exactly how much tax I'm paying, and I have no control over where my money goes.

It seems to me that the utility tax would be advantageous to business in Los Gatos. Maybe that's why the San Jose Chamber of Commerce--which recently took the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce under its umbrella--gave a large contribution in support of Measure C.

Dave Haworth

San Jose

League is nonpartisan advcocacy organization

Every so often it is necessary to explain what to some people seems to be a contradiction in the activities of the League of Women Voters. Robert Wale's letter in the March 13 Los Gatos Weekly-Times is evidence of this confusion.

The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan in reference to candidates and parties. The league never supports nor opposes a candidate for elected office or a political party. Throughout its 75-year history, the league has engaged in the voter-service activities with which the public is most familiar: the candidate forums and debates, the analysis and pro-and-con presentation of ballot issues, and the production and distribution of thousands of printed "Pros and Cons" brochures. The public is encouraged to attend our presentation of "The Pros and Cons of the State Ballot Measures" on March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Saratoga Library.

The league also studies issues and, through study and discussion, arrives at positions on them. When a piece of legislation or a ballot measure is covered by an existing position, the board of directors can vote to take a stand. Would it not be foolish to study and never advocate for the group's conclusions? The league has taken action for all of its 75 years. The League of Women Voters of the West Valley based its support for Measure C on a state and local finance position adopted two years ago after a rigorous two-year study.

Our stated mission is to encourage the informed participation of citizens in government. We do this through education (voter-service activities) and advocacy (action).

Helga Ruby, co-president

League of Women Voters

Blanton delivers as he promised

It is quite refreshing to see a Town Council member take a stand against further taxation. This individual also felt that a tax increase should only be allowed by the vote of the people. What a novel idea! I feel very fortunate to have a councilmember looking out for my interests. The citizens of Los Gatos should feel very fortunate to have Steve Blanton as a member of their Town Council. He is a person with integrity.

Many times he has taken the opposing position of fellow councilmembers. It is often easier to go along with the pack, but Steve has taken the higher road toward what he feels is just and right. He said he would be his own person if he was elected to the council and that is exactly what he has done.

Will Measure C be the last tax that the town of Los Gatos will ask for? I doubt it. It could set the stage for many other tax initiatives facing the citizens of Los Gatos. Instead of looking for future funding alternatives, the Los Gatos town government might only seek raising taxes. This could lead to a government which is not efficient or responsible. I urge a no vote on Measure C.

Sean T. Young

Los Gatos

Town's per capita income lower than in similar cities

A "yes" vote on Measure C makes needed financial resources available to the town. We are indeed short of income for a town of our size. According to the state controller, Los Gatos receives $523 per capita in income; the average for the seven similarly sized neighboring cities is $629. Our expenses per capita are lower than all but one of our neighbors.

It is up to the citizens of Los Gatos to decide how town monies should be used. There are no blank checks. Instead, there are open meetings where the Town Council and the public discuss how to allocate our income to needed services.

Several years ago, after public participation in public meetings, the town invested some of its capital. Land adjacent to our Town Hall was purchased to allow for future expansion of the library. Two mortgages, which earn interest no lower than that of other town investments, were issued to allow key personnel to reside in town and to be available in emergencies.

Who makes these decisions? The citizens of Los Gatos, not only at council election time, but at public sessions, where each and every dollar is allocated. If you take
the time and effort, you will be a participant and will be heard.

The Town of Los Gatos needs your support, not just on election day with your "yes" vote on Measure C, but after that, with your personal participation, making your voice heard as to how the money should be used. Be a part of the process and get involved!

Mike and April Maiten

Los Gatos