Editor’s note: The following is a letter to the editor. The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Mendocino Voice. If you would like to submit a letter to the editor feel free to write to info@mendovoice.com.
Dear Editor:
As a resident of Redwood Valley, a taxpayer of Mendocino County and a father of two middle-school kids in the public schools here, I’m voting Yes on Measure A.
Chances are good that if you have ever been to the local hospital, if a firefighter has ever been to your home or you have ever had to call 911, you have been served by a former Mendocino College student. You’ve likely seen a show at the theatre, got plants from the Ag Department’s twice-yearly sales, or maybe your high-school-aged child is attending classes there right now, earning college credit through the Middle College program.
Mendocino College is one of the most important institutions in our region, and it has earned our support through 50+ years of service. Voting Yes on Measure A supports Mendocino College.
The college’s current nursing students are sitting in portable classrooms that were bought used in 1973, where they housed the first decade of classes at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. In 1983, the college bought the old sheep farm on Hensey Creek Road, and those same portable classrooms were then trucked across town, up the road and placed where they still sit today. Currently, firefighting students are scattered across portable classrooms, parking lot demonstrations, and various neighboring fire stations, when space allows. Science classrooms are not large enough to seat all the students who enroll.
Despite these challenges, the district has made it all work and made it work well, graduating thousands of students with skills and education to obtain quality jobs or to transfer to four-year universities. These are our children, this is our community and this is our college — and I believe that we can do better. With the funds raised through Measure A, we can do better.
Our firefighters and EMTs can have a dedicated learning space to call their own. We can educate the next generation of skilled tradesworkers — electricians, carpenters, plumbers, roofers. We can build new science classrooms. Our nurses can have instructional spaces built in this century, without leaking roofs. We can support our community, and I urge my neighbors to do so.
Vote Yes on Measure A.
Mac Lojowsky
Redwood Valley
We are training nurses here but they drive to Santa Rosa where the pay is better.
The State, county and cities get more than enough money. MeasuredA targets property owners whose property taxes will increase for decades if Mmeasure A passes. If measure A is good for the entire community, let the entire community pay for the services and infrastructure through increased sales tax. Better yet, Vote No on Measure A and force State and local government to reprioritize how they send our tax dollars and learn to livevwithin their means
Another attempt to get around Prop 13 by having the voters approve a new property tax. Renters always vote for these, nothing to lose…
I say hell No on A. The only people who will vote Yes on A are those who work for the Mendo Lake Community College, so their salaries can continue to be paid, and people gullible enough to believe what firefighters and nurses vote Yes on. I pay too much in property taxes to this county as is, including a shit load to a similar measure for the UUSD bond previously passed by voters. I give enough money to support this community and county with my hard earned tax dollars, so I will vote No On A, and say Noona my money!