Measure A campaign picks up steam

With the June 3 election less than a month away, supporters of Measure A — a proposed bond measure that would raise funds to rebuild the aging Scotts Valley Middle School campus — are in full campaign mode.
The measure calls for a $35 million in bonds to be issued that would be used to replace Scotts Valley Middle School’s deteriorating 73-year-old campus with new, modern facilities.
The bond monies would also be used for the installation of seismic safety measures — such as wall bracing, and anti-shatter window film — to buildings at Vine Hill and Brook Knoll elementary campuses.
The official kickoff rally for the campaign was held at the Scotts Valley Community Center on Wednesday, April 30.
According to Derek Timm, campaign chairperson for the Yes on A committee, the rally drew more than 150 supporters, and raised more than $8,000.
“It was a really good turnout,” he said.
Timm said that the campaign, which has its headquarters situated in the Scotts Village shopping center, plans to phone voters Tuesdays through Thursdays during the week, and door-to-door canvassing during the weekends.
The ballot measure has enjoyed widespread support so far, Timm said.
“We have endorsements from both the Republican and Democratic parties of Santa Cruz County, we have the entire city council,” he said. “I would say the vast majority of elected leaders in town are on board.”
Scotts Valley Mayor Jim Reed, who volunteers with the campaign during his free time, said that they key to gathering support is to demonstrate the condition of the campus as it currently exists.
“If we can let people know the condition of the middle school, this will pass,” Reed said. “The teachers and programs are fantastic — and the buildings are appalling.”
Timm said that the timing of the bond measure was fortuitous, as the district would likely be able to apply for matching funds from the state that would help offset some of the locally assumed costs.
“If the bond passes, we’ll be able to apply for some relief from the state — possibly even for the entire project,” Timm said. “If we don’t pass it, though, we wont be able to get on that list.”
“The message that’s so compelling for people is that there’s a real belief in supporting our school district because its been so good for us as a community,” he said.
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