Measure Q will harm environment, vote no

I have been an environmentalist since 1971.

I have serious concerns about Measure Q and will vote No on Q, having followed the campaign for the so-called Water and Wildlife Protection ballot measure for months.

Who wouldn’t want to protect water and wildlife?! However, where humans go, wildlife is disrupted and diminished – an undeniable fact.

Protection by development? Allowing more access for recreational biking through the very wildlife habitats that so desperately need protection is the antithesis of the stated goal of Measure Q. Building new trails or de-vegetating existing trails releases sequestered carbon and opens access to fire arson!

One supporter of the proposed tax is not identified in the official Voter Information Guide -- a group of mountain biking enthusiasts who re-branded themselves as Trail Stewards. Their non-profit status means they will receive grant funding for their destructive development activity in wildlife habitat open spaces of the county. About 25% of a grant goes toward administrative costs, so taxpayers will subsidize the mountain biking industry and its local trail building organization.

— Jean Brocklebank, Santa Cruz

Vote against more taxes: No on M, PVUSD bond

Vote no on Measure M, the $315 million Pajaro Valley Unified School District bond.

If passed, Measure M brings a significant increase in property taxes to fund projects that may not offer tangible improvements to the quality of education. Property owners will pay higher taxes to cover the bond. This cost will be passed down to renters in increased rent, exacerbating the already unaffordable housing crisis. With inflation and cost of living on the rise, adding more financial pressure on working families is the wrong approach.

PVUSD has a track record of inefficient spending, which raises concerns about how these new funds would be used. Instead of throwing more money at the district, which has a $300 million annual budget, voters should demand more accountability for how existing resources are being allocated.

Don’t forget, voters are still paying for Measure L, a $150 million bond approved in 2012 to improve school facilities.

Voting No on Measure M is a stand against unnecessary taxation and a demand for smarter, more efficient use of school funding.

— Shanna Crigger, Aptos

De Serpa aware of quality of life issues in District 2

I’m writing in support of Kim De Serpa, County Supervisor, District 2. This district of the county comprises Aptos, La Selva Beach, Seacliff, Rio Del Mar, Corralitos, Freedom, and portions of Watsonville and Capitola. Kim is a homeowner in rural Aptos so is only too aware of the quality of life issues that affect us living here: road conditions, traffic, broadband, and power outages. Her job as manager of social workers at a major hospital and her long-held board position at PVUSD give Kim the experience needed to be a problem solver.

The job of County Supervisor is non-partisan. The candidate and supervisor should not be beholden to any political party or special interest group. If you ––talk to Kim, this is clear. She will listen to everyone and do her due diligence in getting all the facts in making decisions.

Finally, it’s obvious why Kim went into social work as you couldn’t meet a nicer, more compassionate person. Vote Kim De Serpa, District 2.

— Lauren Leff, Aptos

Brown in District 2: highly qualified, knowledgeable

We need an experienced, knowledgeable County Supervisor for District 2. County Supervisors have a very serious role, affecting everyone in the county. Kristen Brown’s dedicated eight years on the Capitola City Council, her service on regional commissions and agency boards, and six years working earlier under Sam Farr and Jimmy Panetta make her highly qualified and ready to solve a variety of problems on day one.

In a candidate forum held by the county Democratic Central Committee, opponent Kim De Serpa’s answers were very concerning. For example, when asked about climate change, she answered “I do believe the climate situation we’re in is gonna declare itself, but until that time happens …” Gonna declare itself …until what time?

Brown’s extended answer started with this: “… the climate crisis has already declared itself. It’s already here.” The publicly elected members of the DCC endorsed Kristen Brown by a large majority.

— Dianne Dryer, Santa Cruz