Watsonville is a community built on the hard work, dreams and diverse experiences of its residents. Every voice here matters, but right now, not every voice is given equal access to be heard in city government. Currently, only registered voters can serve on city commissions, excluding committed, taxpaying Watsonville residents — longtime community members, business owners and workers who are unable to register to vote.

Measure V expands eligibility to all Watsonville residents, giving the City Council the flexibility to choose the most knowledgeable and committed community members. The City Council retains ultimate decision-making power and can appoint or remove commission members as needed. Measure V simply expands the pool of advisory contributors, without diluting voter influence.

The state of California, Santa Cruz County, and most charter cities already do this. Measure V brings Watsonville to the present and sets the stage for a stronger future.

A representative government ensures the diversity of our government reflects the diversity of our region. City commissions are, by Watsonville’s city charter definition, advisory bodies that inform the City Council and city manager on issues impacting our homes, economy, streets, parks and schools.

Only elected City Council members have the authority to appoint commissioners and approve their recommendations, ensuring that our government reflects the best interests of our community. According to our city charter, these commissions are meant to represent the diversity of our entire community so that decisions truly meet the needs of all Watsonville residents.

Voting “Yes” on Measure V means better decisions for Watsonville. That is why current, future and past mayors and elected officials strongly support this measure, as well as organizations like Ventures, and community members.

Vote “Yes” on Measure V, and let us build a stronger, more united Watsonville where everyone’s voice matters and can shape our shared future.

Maria Cadenas is Executive Director of Ventures, which partners with rural Latine working-class families.

Why Prop. 33 would cause rents to go up

By Chelsea Wagner

Proposition 33 “Justice for Renters” states that renters pay more than half their income in rent. Let’s put that in perspective. I am one of the lucky ones who get to rent a house from a bank. And when I first got permission to rent from the bank, the banker said that the average renter paid 66% of their gross income to make the payment. Mind you gross income is before taxes are deducted. So in perspective it seems about average for owners and renters.

This measure would repeal a law that was put in to encourage building of housing. Prop. 33 takes that away and will reduce the incentive to own rentals, specifically single family properties as rentals. In one sense it will discourage renting out houses and increase the amount of houses for sale. But with less supply of available rentals the ones that are still available will go for a lot more.

It also takes away the incentive to keep and renovate older rentals. It costs about $30,000 to renovate a one-bedroom apartment. And it takes seven to 10 years to recover that cost based upon the average increase in rent. On average an apartment needs major work every 15 years. This measure would limit rent increases so it will take 20 years to break even. And that is bad news for renters and owners as everyone will eventually be living in slums. I have seen that in New York. Buildings eventually end up vacant as rents are stuck so low you can’t even pay the taxes let alone the mortgage.

We have a great rent control law that is fair for renters and landowners. The real problem in California is we have too much demand for housing. Too many people. The more people here, the more people compete for housing and the higher the value of housing. We all wish rents were cheaper. Whether it is from a landlord or bank.

Chelsea Wagner is a Soquel resident.