SOSroads: "Increased Sales Tax for Parks is the Wrong Priority" (Measure J)
Excerpt from SOSroads email dated Sept. 21, 2016
The November ballot includes Measure J, a one-half cent increase in the sales tax in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County to be used by Sonoma County Regional Parks. SOSroads does not support Measure J.
The reason, in short, is that while parks are important, the repair and replacement of county roads is far more urgent at this time.
We believe that the interests of the affected county residents would be best served by a sales tax increase to fund only the preservation and repair of county roads.
We are concerned that an increase in the sales tax for parks might hinder the supervisors’ ability and the public’s willingness to fund needed road work.
The repair of county roads has been among the top priorities of county residents as shown in public polls and among the supervisors.
Visitors to Sonoma County regional parks must use county roads to reach them. Whether by bicycle, vehicle or motorcycle, county roads must be in good condition, yet the vast majority of county roads are in poor or failing condition.
For these reasons SOSroads does not support Measure J.
Re: SOSroads: "Increased Sales Tax for Parks is the Wrong Priority" (Measure J)
I do not accept the competitive, either/or tunnel vision of SOSRoads regarding support for parks and nature. Take a higher road both/and approach and support both measures. As important as roads are to humans, supporting nature is at least as important.
We need not only to improve our roads but to protect Sonoma County's regional parks, trails, and natural beauty, which is what Measure J does. Not to vote for Measure J is a vote against access to natural areas and against protection of our clean water. Providing access by individuals and families to parks is important to our health and humans benefiting from nature's bounty.
I use the dog park at Ragle Ranch Park a few days each week. If you love dogs, my Catahoula leopard hound Winnie and I implore you to vote for Measure J. Play and have some fun in nature. If you support open space, support Measure J. More information at www.YesForSonomaCountyParks.org.
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Glia:
Excerpt from SOSroads email dated Sept. 21, 2016
The November ballot includes Measure J, a one-half cent increase in the sales tax in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County to be used by Sonoma County Regional Parks. SOSroads does not support Measure J.
The reason, in short, is that while parks are important, the repair and replacement of county roads is far more urgent at this time.
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