FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE
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FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE
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PARKS FOR THE FUTURE By Julia Bott Parks for the Future is the proposed ballot measure to provide dedicated funding for our county parks, city parks, and special districts. Support to place the measure on the November ballot has been building over the spring and early summer. If two-thirds of the voters approve it in November, it would raise the sales tax by 1/8th of a cent, from 8.25% to 8.375% in San Mateo County. That increase, projected to cost the average person $18 per year, would bring over $16 million annually in revenues devoted to parks. The strong level of support for the proposed increased in sales tax, reflected in the poll of likely voters conducted this past April, encouraged Parks for the Future supporters.
The money will help all of the parks in our community -- city, county and special districts. All proceeds must be used for park and recreation related functions but each jurisdiction will have the authority to spend the funds according to their need. Funds could be spent on maintenance, operations, activities and programs, capital improvements or acquisition, and jurisdictions could vary how the money is spent over the life of the tax. The income from the sales tax will be additional revenues for parks. Under the measure, cities and the County will be required to maintain their general fund contributions to the parks and recreation budgets. The added revenue will mean County Parks & Rec could hire additional rangers and specialized staff, such as a resource manager, as well as have funds for maintenance and improvement projects. Community support is very important at this stage and there is a lot that you can do. Offer your personal or business endorsement. Ask your local city councilmember, your employer, or other organizations of which you are a member to support Parks for the Future. Of course volunteers or donations will be important in a successful campaign. For more information and to find out how you can help, contact Julia Bott, San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation at (650) 321-5812 or Julia@SupportParks.org. |
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As
the graph shows, after hearing both positive and negative arguments, voter
support remained at two-thirds. These results were even stronger than the poll
conducted in January 2005, likely due to the efforts over the past 18 months to
refine the measure and educate the community.