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| Our vote: Reilly, Stone, Symons, yes, yes, yes | | Print | |
| Written by Press Banner Editorial | |
| Friday, 09 May 2008 | |
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After meeting with all candidates for election June 3, we present our endorsements for those offices and three local ballot measures.
After meeting with all candidates for election June 3 to the 27th Assembly District, 5th Supervisorial District and Superior Court judgeship, we present our endorsements for those offices and three local ballot measures.
State Assembly Only two have held public office, however, and we think experience in serving constituents and building consensus in the community is a crucial prerequisite for effectiveness in the state Legislature. Barbara Sprenger has been an entrepreneur, recently received a master’s degree in public policy, is a local leader and was a San Lorenzo Valley school trustee during a difficult time, helping guide the community through closure of two elementary schools and budgetary constraints. Emily Reilly is an entrepreneur and served on the Santa Cruz City Council, surviving interminable, contentious council meetings and representing the city on numerous regional boards and commissions while educating herself on regional issues. Either of these public servants would be a worthy successor to termed-out Assemblyman John Laird. We see Reilly with an edge in experience and recommend that Democrats send her into the November general election. County supervisor When an incumbent has done a good job and any challengers cannot present convincing evidence to the contrary, we think the incumbent should be permitted to continue in office. That is the case in the 5th District. Mark Stone has represented the district for five years and is asking the voters to return him for another four-year term. He has proved to be accessible to citizens and is knowledgeable on a wide variety of issues. Stone’s experience in county government will be valuable as the county wrestles with major budget cuts this summer. He also has initiated child-welfare reform without any publicity and presses for environmental causes in alignment with the majority of his constituents. Challengers David Smith and Gordon Stewart both are running on platforms that center on private property rights and reform of the county planning department. On balance, we endorse Stone.
Superior Court judge
Symons has been seeking a seat on the bench for two years. She has demonstrated energy, passion and compassion, garnering endorsements from crime victims’ families and even some of the defendants she has prosecuted. All things being equal, gender wouldn’t matter. But the court has only two female judges. We think another woman — one with energy and passion — would be an asset. We endorse Symons.
Measure Q — Scotts Valley school bond We would be letting our young people down if we forced them to be educated in substandard facilities. So, with a measure of reluctance, we recommend a “yes” vote. We will watch closely to inform you about whether the bond money is spent wisely and the projects are managed well.
Measure R — county library tax
The resulting solid financial base would allow the library administration to do long-range planning that will move forward the long-discussed new Felton library and, later, a new Scotts Valley library. Please vote for this measure. Like Scotts Valley Middle School, the beloved Ben Lomond fire station is too old for the modern day. The district’s fire engines barely fit inside the apparatus bays, and there’s precious little space for training, private conferences and possible future transition to having several paid firefighters who spend whole shifts in the station. No opposition to the $10 million measure has surfaced, and the fire protection district board has done its homework. We strongly urge a “yes” vote.
Editorials reflect the opinion of the editorial board.
Letters and commentaries are welcome. Letters have a 300-word limit and commentaries a 600-word limit. Both may be edited for length, clarity and civility. Routine thank-you letters will not be published. Letters and commentaries must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer. Only the name and hometown will be published. E-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or click here for a list of our contact info Comments (6)
  written by Alvin Vanne, May 13, 2008
It was supposed to say 50% plus one, but the web page won't all a plus sign.
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 written by Andrea Sanchez, May 13, 2008
I don't think Stone was in on it from the beginning. He cluelessly inherited it when he arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, he continues to cluelessly advocate for it behind the scenes while pretending to be waiting for an EIR in public.
The Sprenger comments are ridiculous. report abuse
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 written by slackjaw, May 13, 2008 Stone endorsed the project in the paper some time ago, without qualification. Since then, he's been feeling the pressure of the citizens movement. And since he perceives that it is largely an environmental protest, he found a hiding place behind the EIR results. That provides some cover until June 3rd. I got a glossy brochure from his campaign today that points attention to his environmental committee. Huh? Where have they been? I think he would like to can the project but the special interests won't let him. Its risky. Even the local social planners are divided on this. The project cannot help him with the local electorate but it may turn out to be an good investment with the special interests, since he is proving that he will do what he's told. Smith or Stewart are better choices for the San Lorenzo Valley, you know where they stand. Getting Scotts Valley is hard because its Stone's home town. And I'm not seeing signs and advertising for the two challengers. It will be interesting to see the results broken down by precinct. I'm voting against Stone in hopes of seeing this dragged out to November. The debate is healthy. one. report abuse
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 written by FBO, May 14, 2008
If you are going to opt for one of the two challengers, Smith makes more sense. Stewart is a bit of a loose cannon and seems to have a narrower focus on issues.
David Smith knows how the county works, understands the process and he's not beholden to special interests or insiders like Stone is. At the COPA forum, Stone kissed major patootie. Then he turns around and does the same thing with the Sierra Club....whose interests are in polar opposition to COPA. Stone is not in line with his constituents. He's in line with whoever he is talking to at the moment. report abuse
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He is not; he was in on the plan from the beginning.
I am going to vote for someone else, in hopes that Stone does not get 50% 1 in June.