Support fair water rates and Holloway for SLVWD board
This year I’ve had the honor to work with Bruce Holloway on a Citizen’s Initiative, now Measure U on the November ballot, to repair San Lorenzo Valley Water District’s controversial, inequitable rate structure. Bruce is also running for the water board, and I wholeheartedly encourage your vote and support for him in this year of positive changes.
Bruce’s quiet manner belies his fierce sense of fairness and loyalty to customers of SLVWD who are often not well-represented by our boards. As a watchful public citizen, he’s steered the district in the right direction or corrected their course on a number of important issues over the years using his extensive knowledge of economics, finance and the Brown Act, which legislates transparency in our government’s actions. At the County level, he’s stood up for us ensuring millions of dollars of tax money collected here will be spent here, by challenging poor legislation.
Bruce is running for one of two open positions on the SLVWD Board of Directors, and I feel his experience and knowledge is easily twice that of either incumbent. When elected, Bruce will bring a huge dose of integrity to our district; he is unfazed by pressure from special interests and will set a steady course to accomplish what is needed ahead.
Measure U upholds our community’s values of water conservation and fair, affordable rates. Bruce upholds those values customers want in a director. I know Bruce will guide the board towards a balanced, equitable rate structure while ensuring that there is strategic financial planning for healthy revenue, reserves, and oversight of expenses.
Please join me in voting for three fantastic positive changes for our community this year: “Yes” on Measure U for fair rates, for Bruce Holloway as SLVWD Director, and, of course, for Christopher Bradford as our County Supervisor.
Debra Loewen
Lompico Canyon
Measure S: A crucial vote for enhanced emergency response
This November, we must again decide whether to support bond financing for a new Scotts Valley Fire District fire station.
With this, their fourth attempt, costs have grown from $8 million (2006) to $24.5 million (2024). The 2023 Measure W request of $22.5 million missed approval by a measly 12 votes (66.42% approval). Clearly a majority of eligible voters support safer, more versatile facilities to house the district’s essential services.
The question voters should consider in this cycle is “Can my vote tip the balance?” The answer is a resounding “yes.” Your vote can help ensure continuity of all-hazards emergency response, whether it be medical, fire, earthquake, hazardous materials or other emergency.
Think about it, if you call 911 for criminal activity, police are dispatched—for every other emergency, the fire department responds. In the case of SVFD, the response includes paramedics every time.
Firefighter/paramedics provide rapid medical intervention to stabilize patients until the ambulance arrives for transport. The expanding and aging Scotts Valley population should have those services delivered from facilities that remain intact throughout any emergency.
Please join me in voting “Yes” on Measure S.
Rob Campbell
Scotts Valley
Scotts Valley City Council faces major change
Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson and Councilman Jack Dilles have decided to not seek reelection. This will leave the City Council with the loss of years of institutional knowledge and the experience of working with city government. Additionally, the term of Councilwoman Donna Lind is expiring.
This year’s election for City Council will give each voter a choice of three candidates. I believe the best way to offset the loss of institutional knowledge and the experience of working with city government can be addressed with three steps.
1) Acknowledging her years of service to the council and city by reelecting Donna Lind. This would maintain a level of consistency and institutional knowledge within the council. Donna works tirelessly for our city and her history of community service is commendable.
2) Elect Steve Clark to the City Council. Steve’s professional experience as Deputy Chief of Police in the City of Santa Cruz brings a deep knowledge of budgets and working with city administration. A resident of Scotts Valley since 2008, Steve was a community volunteer to the committee that created the newly approved General Plan for the City of Scotts Valley. He brings real world experience in government and understanding the needs and future direction of Scotts Valley. Of the remaining candidates only one has deep roots in Scotts Valley and years of giving back to the community.
3) Elect Corky Roberson to the City Council. Born into a family with a legacy of community service, Corky’s desire to serve comes from the example of his grandfather C. R. Roberson, one of the original council members when our city was incorporated in 1966. Corky played an active role in making the Boys and Girls Club of Scotts Valley a reality. He has been involved in the business world for 25 years. A history of giving back to the community with 17 years coaching soccer, nine years coaching Little League and serving as league president and currently a volunteer empire for baseball.
With key issues being a desire to retain our small town feel, support for public safety, providing public parks and sensible compliance to the state-mandated housing element, I encourage your consideration for the reelection of Donna Lind and the election of Steve Clark and Corky Roberson to Scotts Valley City Council.
Chuck Maffia
Scotts Valley
Vote Martinez for both experience and change
As a CZU fire victim who lost both homes on my property, I am acutely aware of the shortcomings of our county’s process for rebuilding. Monica Martinez is intent on streamlining the process after such disasters. She will also work to provide greater resources and incentives for vegetation management/defensible space.
Monica represents both experience and a hard-working agent for a variety of changes. Please read more at martinezforsupervisor.com, and vote for Monica Martinez for Fifth District supervisor.
Dr. Steven Young
Ben Lomond
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