Letters to the editor

The Salinas Californian
Posted on June 2, 2007

No on Measure A

Measure A proponents want to preserve farm land and rural beauty. Laudable goals, but Measure A will not assure them.

Does anyone believe that owners and operators of our $3.9 billion agriculture industry want to sell prime farmland to developers? The best way to preserve
farmland is to keep farming profitable. Virtually all connected with the industry oppose Measure A, which does not protect farmers.

The Planning Commission and its staff assess environmental concerns in any major development. Elected supervisors can modify, adopt, overrule. Why
should unpredictable voters, who could vote for or against development, have veto power? How will added cost impact affordable housing?

Why place our future in the hands of out-of-county "experts" with no stake in our economy? They have not consulted local agricultural, business and labor
leaders.

Measure A has other major flaws. It locks in a regulatory scheme for 25 years. How do we adapt to changed conditions or correct negative results?

It is unrealistic to assume Measure A will achieve desired goals. Be prudent. Vote "no" on A.

Peter T. Hoss
Corral de Tierra