Endorsements

Campbell needs Measure A

Measure A is a serious transit initiative that will help protect the valley's quality of life. Prior sales tax measures built freeways that filled up quickly. Now it's time to get down to business with buses, trains and Bay Area Rapid Transit service to connect the region's largest population center with its biggest transit system.

Try as we might, Silicon Valley will not stop growing. The best option is smart growth: concentrated housing in urban cores linked to work centers and recreation venues by clean, electric rail transit vehicles.

Not only will Measure A bring BART to the valley, build new light rail lines, expand bus service and improve CalTrain, it will free up $2 billion in funds to fix streets, remove graffiti, add soundwalls and bikeways and improve highways.

Measure A is sponsored by the Valley Transportation Authority and endorsed by the Manufacturing Group, the Greenbelt Alliance, the AARP, the California State Auto Association and the county and state taxpayers' associations. It is supported by the Campbell City Council.

The measure's detractors acknowledge the pressing need for a transit solution but want more time to come up with a different plan. They won't say what their plan is, though, which means that the alternative to Measure A is anybody's guess. The valley's transportation problems are too pressing to play those kinds of political games. Moreover, to drag this process out longer could place up to $1 billion in state traffic funds at risk.

Let's not take those chances. By continuing the half-cent sales tax, we can keep cars off the road and breathe cleaner air with a well balanced transit system. The Campbell Reporter enthusiastically recommends a "yes" vote on Measure A.

For Assembly: Rebecca Cohn

Smart, hard working Rebecca Cohn is the clear choice to succeed Jim Cunneen in the California Assembly. She is a bright star on the political horizon who has captured a broad base of endorsements that speaks well to her ability to build the type of strong personal relationships that are the currency of politics. Cohn is a champion of better salaries for teachers and is strong on environmental issues. A former physical therapist and health policy advocate, she advocates a state patients' bill of rights and better health care for the elderly. She has run an excellent, issue-oriented campaign, and we are optimistic that she'll effectively represent the 24th Assembly District.

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