Letters to the editor

The Salinas Californian
Posted on May 11, 2007

No on Measure A

I was born and raised in Monterey. My husband and I have lived all over Monterey County, and in 1990 we purchased a home in Prunedale. We enjoyed living in the country and we stayed in our home for 12 years
before moving back to Pacific Grove, where we now reside.

It's hard for me to believe that residents living in our coastal community towns could truly understand (or care) how to vote on issues affecting north county,
south county or the Salinas Valley. How many of our Monterey Peninsula residents have taken the time to visit these areas, except to drive by on Highways 1, 101 or 156, passing through on their way to another destination. As the old saying goes, "out of sight, out of mind."

Measure A, the Community General Plan Initiative, over-rules local plans and gives control to voters elsewhere in the county. Voters would be deciding
issues for areas they do not live in. This is why we have elected supervisors. We hold them accountable. Who would we hold accountable if Measure A is adopted? The county-adopted General Plan Update 4 preserves local community plans while ensuring extensive environmental impact reports and public hearings for major projects.

The Measure A ad campaign boasts "Let the Voters Decide."

Don't let this romantic idea fool you. Vote "no" on Measure A.

I am. It's the only sensible choice.

Arleen Hardenstein
Pacific Grove