Argument For Measure Z
Measure Z is the only way to prevent deep, permanent cuts to Scotts Valley’s core services that will forever change our town for the worse.
Without Measure Z, Scotts Valley will face: slower 9-1-1 police emergency response times; failure to recruit and retain experienced police officers; and, reduced preparation for wildfires and other emergencies.
Why is Measure Z necessary?
State funding formulas continue to adversely impact small cities like ours. Scotts Valley receives approximately 6.5% of the property taxes it generates, less than half the state average.
Despite growing community needs, Scotts Valley today has approximately 20% fewer staff than 15 years ago. The City has cut jobs, laid off workers, contracted out for services and shifted more pension costs to employees. But this belt-tightening has not been nearly enough.
With cash reserves rapidly dwindling, Scotts Valley will experience catastrophic cuts without Measure Z. These cuts likely mean:
- Reducing or closing safe, affordable childcare programs at Vine Hill and Brook Knoll Elementary Schools
- Weakening support for our schools
- Diminishing 9-1-1 police emergency response and neighborhood patrols
- Failing to attract and retain experienced police officers
- Reducing preparation for wildfires and other emergencies
- Potentially eliminating the Scotts Valley Police Department, instead contracting with the County Sheriff for law enforcement and emergency response.
Measure Z is a sales tax, which means it’s also paid by visitors and out-of-towners. It includes strict accountability provisions, such independent financial audits and a twelve-year sunset.
With Measure Z, 100% of the funds stay in Scotts Valley; Sacramento gets nothing.
Measure Z doesn’t add any new programs. It simply maintains today’s essential City services that are so critical to our unmatched quality of life.
The alternative to Measure Z is cuts so severe that the very future of Scotts Valley as an independent city is threatened.
Get the facts at www.SaveScottsValley.com.
Please vote Yes on Measure Z!
Randy Johnson
Mayor, City of Scotts Valley
Stephen D. Walpole
Chief of Police, City of Scotts Valley, retired (1986-2001)
Linda Benko
Secretary, Scotts Valley Educational Foundation; Past President, Scotts Valley Falcon Club; Co-President, Kiwanis Club
Jeanne Shada
Small business owner; Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Past President and Board Member; retired teacher; senior citizen
Robert Aldana
Founder and Editor-in-Chief, My Scotts Valley