Arguments Against Measure H

We urge a NO vote on the $140 million “Affordable Housing Bond, Measure H.”  This is projected to cost all Santa Cruz County real property owners in principal plus interest a total of $273,768,000 for 35 years, until 2055-56.

It is NOT justified to impose added Measure H indebtedness – to get affordable housing funds – that can be obtained by the better alternative of simply increasing Sales Taxes County-wide.

Proposed housing will ONLY be in incorporated cities of Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville.  IT IS UNFAIR FOR RURAL RESIDENTS TO SUBSIDIZE CITY DWELLERS.

This bond provides “No Tax Exemption for Seniors” our most vulnerable population.  Increasing parcel taxes forces-out home owners and businesses.  Property owners already pay an additional 10 taxes including measures/bonds, for library facilities and parks – increasing property taxes to thousands of dollars per year.

The California legislature proposed a new State wide November ballot measure to allocate $3 billion for cities, counties, and non-profits to build housing, help homeless, and low-income families at risk.  The Governor signed 15 housing bills providing funding for low-income housing development and shelter for the homeless.  In addition the CA legislature placed two affordable housing bonds, on the November ballot.

It is not fair to impose this added and excessive $273,768,000 million Measure H, indebtedness upon real property owners—when the outcome of the November election on these other affordable housing bonds have not yet been determined.

Please Vote NO on Measure H – this is not the smart and balanced answer to solving affordable housing in Santa Cruz County.

Colonel Michael “Terry” Maxwell
Retired Military Officer/Soquel

Carmen Bernal
Senior/Capitola

Beverly Costello
Homeowner/Santa Cruz

Kris A. Kirby
Business Owner/Aptos