Letters to the editor

The Salinas Californian
Posted on May 20, 2007

No on Measure A

During the face-off over Measure E, the precursor to Measure A, I served on the Salinas Valley League of Women Voters' board.

In meetings, we discussed our official position on Measure E.

Surprisingly, the board took a pro-Measure E , no-growth, restrictive position with no discussion regarding the opposing side.

Upon questioning the stance, I was told there was no need. The state organization takes positions that dictate local positions. Our group's secretary expressed no interest in hearing opposing views.

Subsequently, a proponent of business and agricultural positions and the Monterey Peninsula chapter of the League of Women Voters met to discuss the matter. The League listened, but having already taken a position, exhibited no inclination to muddy waters with contradictory information.

Will Measure A determine the course our county follows?

Both county chapters of the LWV announced a position they claim was based on extensive research and professional opinions of land-use experts. Given the Measure E matter and the knowledge that the groups'
board members are neither impartial nor unbiased, can we assume they have seen the error of their ways?

Did the "impartial" experts promote private agendas?

If the two Leagues were deliberative in this matter, are we sure?

Can we trust the Leagues' ballyhooed endorsement of Measure A?

The public has been misled too long. For our county's economic and social survival, vote "no" on Measure A.

Donna Oliveira
King City