Editorial

We urge a no vote on Measure A

Posted June 3, 2007

On the eve of Tuesday's crucial election in Monterey County, we once again urge a "no" vote on Measure A, which would cripple the county's future ability to respond to change and opportunity.

Likewise, we urge a "no" vote on Measure B, which would repeal the General Plan Update 4, adopted in January by the county Board of Supervisors. We
recommend a "yes" vote on Measure C, which endorses the county plan, and a "yes" vote on Measure D, which permits a progressive development called Butterfly Village just north of Salinas.

The slow-growth crusaders who pushed Measure A onto the ballot have failed to address the county's inevitable need to respond to changing circumstances.
In contrast, opponents of Measure A favor a more fluid approach to growth and development in unincorporated areas.

Measure A would subject many residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial projects outside city limits to a countywide election, permitting voters
with little personal stake or knowledge of local needs to pass judgment on them.

By contrast, the county's plan can adapt to economic, demographic, geographic and social dynamics. That flexibility is especially needed to preserve Salinas Valley agricultural and the jobs it provides. A beautiful valley without thriving agriculture would be a hollow prize in the campaign against "sprawl."

The fourth ballot measure, Measure D, also merits approval by voters.

Backers of Measure A have sought to lump Butterfly Village in with its much larger predecessor, Rancho San Juan.

The truth is that Butterfly Village is a modest and well-planned development that will provide 1,147 units of needed housing - both affordable and market-rate - on 671 acres between Salinas and Prunedale.

It comes with $16 million in developer money for needed road improvements, as well as funding and taxes to pay for a sheriff's station, a fire station, a
public library and a public golf course.

On Tuesday, cast your ballot for a promising future: no-no, yes-yes.