Letters to the editor

The Salinas Californian
Posted on May 26, 2007

No on Measure A

LandWatch, under the misleading label of the Community General Plan Initiative, authored by two out-of-town attorneys, with no EIR, wants to mislead the community by claiming it will deliver 30 percent of affordable housing, versus the 20 percent in GPU4, though GPU4 clearly states 20 percent - and up to 50 percent - in some areas.

Chris Fitz, LandWatch executive director, claims there is no water for development and traffic is out of control. I have advocated for affordable housing for years. In 1989, as state deputy director for the League of United Latin American Citizens, I appeared before the Board of Supervisors to push for housing.

As a former migrant worker, I have experienced the lack of affordable, decent housing. In 1993, the Moro Cojo development was opposed by some of the present members of LandWatch. They were using the same scare tactics then as they're using today - no water; traffic will be deplorable. LULAC supported the Moro Cojo project and it was built.

LandWatch claims that under its plan 30 percent affordable housing will be built. That is misleading.

If Measure A passes, any development of affordable housing in San Lucas, Castroville, Pajaro and other areas will be put to a countywide vote, and guess who holds the voting power - the Peninsula!

Under GPU 4, the developers will continue to go through the same county procedures to build housing.

Don't be fooled by LandWatch. Vote "no" on A; "yes" on C.

Crescencio Padilla
Royal Oaks