901 / 64.5% Yes votes ...... 495 / 35.5% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Meaning of Voting Yes/No

A YES vote of this measure means:

A "yes" vote on Measure I is a vote to continue the previously approved increase in the District's appropriations (expenditures) limit.

A NO vote of this measure means:

A "no" vote on Measure I is a vote against continuing the previously approved increase in the District's appropriations (expenditures) limit.

Existing law, enacted in 1979 as part of Proposition 4 (now California Constitution Article XIIIB), restricts governmental spending by setting an annual appropriations (i.e., expenditures) limit for governmental agencies. This appropriations limit is sometimes called the "Gann limit."

The California Constitution authorizes voters to change this appropriations limit for a maximum period of four years at a time. Unless the voters do so, the appropriations limit will be based on an earlier year's limit, adjusted for changes in the cost of living and population. In 2000 the voters of the District approved a special tax and an increase of the appropriations limit in the amount of that special tax.

At this time the Trustees of the Loma Prieta Joint Union Elementary School District have resolved to submit to the voters the question whether the appropriations limit approved in 2000 should continue for four more years, from July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2008.

The ballot measure does not authorize the District to impose a new assessment or increase the property tax rate. Instead it would permit the District to continue to spend the special tax which was previously approved by the voters.

Santa Cruz Sentinel

• Live Oak, Summit voters weigh school finance measures 2/15/04

The facts are:

• The Loma Prieta Joint Union School District offers local children educational programs and instructional options that many other school districts around the state are unable to provide.
• The $283,000 that the parcel tax brings to Loma Prieta Elementary School and C.T. English Middle School every year represents approximately 10% of the annual district budget and makes a critical difference in the quality of education we can offer local children.
• The instructional programs funded by the parcel tax directly benefit children. Losing these funds would mean immediate cuts in critical educational programs.
• The authorization to spend the tax expires every four years and must be re-authorized by local voters. Measure I will fund the following educational programs and services:
• Maintain or improve math, science, language arts and educational technology program.
• Maintain music and performing arts, developmental P.E., library, and nurse.
• Maintain small class sizes.
• Equip and maintain the schools, facilities and grounds to meet requirements of increased safety and technology.

Measure I is a valuable investment in the future of our children, our grandchildren and our community. It provides exemptions for senior citizens, adjacent parcels and certain impacted property. As specified since its inception, no Measure I funds may be used for salary enhancement or benefits.

s/ Alexander E. Leman, Chief Officer Loma Prieta Fire & Rescue
s/ Bradford P. Radonich, Parent
s/ Lydia J. Dobyns, President, Loma Prieta School Board,
s/ Susan A. Pierce, President, Loma Prieta Community Foundation
s/ Stephen Glauz-Todrank, Minister of Skyland Church

Milton Friedman once said, "There's nothing more permanent than a temporary tax".

The School Board has yet to complete the projects funded by Measure K and now they're back for more of your money. In fact, they authorized this ballot on July 30th, 2003. There's a 2-year pattern of tax increases. And unless you put a stop to it, you can bet they'll be back in another 2 years (or less) for another "emergency" tax increase. It'll be for safety (fire, earthquake, etc.), or new technology labs, or something else.

But, what about the children? What about their education? Isn't it the business of the school district to educate our kids? Is this endless search for tax increases for the children? Or, for the district employees?

Don't be afraid to say no to another tax. We all have to live with a budget. That's the real world. Say no to Measure I and send a message to the School Board that they, too, have to live within a budget. That's what they were elected to do. They were elected to make the tough choices, to prioritize where funds are spent and to say NO to inefficient or wasteful spending. You can be for good education and against this tax extension.

Please vote NO on Measure I and tell the School Board to live within their means.

For more information, please visit: http://www.VoteNoOnI.us

s/ H.R. Strong, Chair Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County
s/ Mark W.A. Hinkle, Past Chair-Libertarian Party of California
s/ George M. Swenson, President, Silcon Valley Taxpayers' Association