Endorsement

Yes on Measure A

As the valley's second largest city, Sunnyvale has a significant stake in the outcome of the Measure A transit initiative. A major work center, the city's economic future and quality of life depends on the ability to get workers to their jobs and keep freeways unclogged.

Measure A does not introduce a new tax; it simply extends the current half-cent sales tax through 2036, a fairly painless way to raise revenue. Prior sales tax measures built freeways that filled up quickly. Now it's time to get serious about buses, trains and Bay Area Rapid Transit service to connect the region's largest population center with its biggest transit system, BART.

Let's face facts; Silicon Valley will not stop growing. The forces that built the world's greatest technology center are not about to evaporate. 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 Cal Train, 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 enjoys the support of 14 of the county's mayors, including Mayor Vorreiter, along with council-members Walker, Miller and Valerio.

Its 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 gamble with the valley's future. By continuing the half-cent sales tax, we can keep cars off the road and breathe cleaner air with a well-balanced transit system. Sunnyvale Sun encourages its readers to cast a "yes" vote on Measure A.

Public Safety

Election endorsement: Yes on Measure A

Photo: The Sunnyvale Community Players present 'The Secret Garden'

Sports Briefs

High school sports

Photo: DeAnza College football