VOTER’S INFORMATION PAMPHLET
MEASURES, ANALYSES AND ARGUMENTS
(whichever is applicable to your ballot)
Arguments in support of, or in opposition to, the proposed laws are the opinions of the authors.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE V

The State shifted away approximately 10% of the District’s yearly property tax revenues some years ago to augment State funding. The District needs this tax to offset those losses and to keep up with the demands and growth of the community.

This tax will ultimately save lives. The tax will be used for the addition of firefighter/paramedics to the current roster of firefighters and will accomplish two important goals:
  1. Add paramedic advanced life support service.
  2. Add firefighters to allow full time coverage at three stations (Erba Lane, Sims Road and Glenwood Drive, the District currently operates the Erba Lane and Sims Road Stations)

We consider this step as a significant improvement and take our responsibility very seriously. The District has considered every option to provide emergency services and to keep up with growth. This measure will allow the District to meet the growing needs of the community and provide advanced life support and fire protection services.

The closest ambulance to Scotts Valley is stationed in Santa Cruz. Scotts Valley is in a unique position with regard to emergency medical services. American Medical Response West provides the ambulance service under a contract with Santa Cruz County. Scotts Valley firefighters arrive at the scene first to over 90% of the calls and are on scene about four minutes earlier based on location. This is crucial time in a medical emergency and the addition of life saving advanced life support skills may literally mean the difference between life and death.

Scotts Valley has a mixture of young families, seniors, long time residents, businesses, and technology industries. They all deserve this improvement.

This service is too important to the health and safety of the people in the community to ignore. Ultimately, this tax will save lives! Please vote in favor of Measure V.

Scotts Valley Fire Protection District
s/ Carol Bell, Chairperson

s/ Michael P. McMurry, Fire Chief
Scotts Valley Fire Protection District

Scotts Valley Firefighters Association IAFF Local 3577
s/ John Roberson, President

REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE V

In the 1990-1991 Fiscal Year the Fire District’s property tax revenues were $1.6 million. This year they are budgeted at $3.1 million, effectively doubled. How can the proponents claim a loss in tax revenue?

There are two important reasons to vote No on Measure V.
  1. It has no termination date. Property owners will be taxed forever whether there is a need for funding or not.
  2. Santa Cruz County had a $25 million surplus as of June 30, 2000. The State of California had a $12.5 billion surplus as of the same date.

The Federal Government has so much extra cash the political parties are fighting over how to return it to the taxpayers and/or spend it on new programs.

Does it make sense to vote for still another tax that has no end?

This measure should be replaced with a proper initiative.

VOTE NO ON MEASURE V.

s/ Robert B. Suhr, Public

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