Editorials
Los Gatos needs Measure A
Measure A is the valley's first serious transit initiative. Prior sales tax measures built freeways that filled up quickly. Now it's time to get serious about buses, trains and Bay Area Rapid Transit service to connect the region's largest population center with its biggest transit system.
Try as we might, Silicon Valley will not stop growing. The best option is smart growth: concentrated housing in urban cores linked to work centers and recreation venues by clean, electric rail transit vehicles.
Not only will Measure A bring BART to the valley, build new light rail lines, expand bus service and improve Caltrain, it will free up $2 billion in funds to fix streets, remove graffiti, add soundwalls and bikeways and improve highways.
Measure A is sponsored by the Valley Transportation Authority and endorsed by the Manufacturing Group, the Greenbelt Alliance, the AARP, the California State Auto Association and the county and state taxpayers' associations. It enjoys the unanimous support of the Los Gatos Town Council, and the support of Monte Sereno's mayor and city council.
The measure's detractors acknowledge the pressing need for a transit solution but want more time to come up with a different plan. They won't say what their plan is, though, which means that the alternative to Measure A is anybody's guess. The valley's transportation problems are too pressing to play those kinds of political games. Moreover, to drag this process out longer could place up to $1 billion in state traffic funds at risk.
Let's not take those chances. By continuing the half-cent sales tax, we can keep cars off the road and breathe cleaner air with a well balanced transit system. The Los Gatos Weekly-Times enthusiastically recommends a "yes" vote on Measure A.
For Assembly: Rebecca Cohn
Smart, hard working Rebecca Cohn is the clear choice to succeed Jim Cunneen in the California Assembly. She is a bright star on the political horizon who has captured a broad base of endorsements that speaks well of her ability to build the type of strong personal relationships that are the currency of politics. Cohn is a champion of better salaries for teachers and is strong on environmental issues.
As a consultant in high-tech companies, she understands the importance of Internet connections and technology training in schools. She will enlist industry support to ensure these necessities.
A former physical therapist and health policy advocate, she favors a state patients' bill of rights and better health care for the elderly.
Cohn has run an excellent, issue-oriented campaign, and we are optimistic that she'll effectively represent Los Gatos.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
