By Bill Lynch, Editor
Monday, October 16, 2006
Measure F, the "Sonoma County Open Space, Clean Water and Farmland Protection Measure," is an opportunity to continue Sonoma County's efforts to protect valuable agricultural and open space. We endorsed the measure more than a month ago. Our support remains firm. It would continue the current 1/4-cent sales tax in the county to support the purchase of unique and desirable open space and agricultural properties, which otherwise would be developed.
Since county voters approved the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District in 1990, it has preserved more than 68,000 acres of farmland, riparian areas, natural resources and wildlife habitat. Of this, 13,725 acres were acquired for public recreation, of which 2,641 have been added to county parks, 6,240 to state parks and 200 to city parks.
Passage of the measure in November would extend the measure for another 20 years beyond its sunset date, which is now 2010. We urge you to vote for Measure F.
Measure R, the 1/4-cent tax that would establish a passenger rail service along the Highway 101 corridor is the other "local" measure on the ballot and we urge a yes vote on it as well. All of us who use Highway 101 have had to endure the growth in congestion on that vital roadway. It is time to begin the process of taking cars off it and reduce impact on our environment at the same time. Vote yes on Measure R.
- Bill Lynch, Editor
http://www.sonomanews.com/articles/2006/10/19/opinion/letters01.txt