In addition to picking who they want to be on Council, local voters are also making choices about a variety of issues during the midterm election.
Two of the measures are of particular interest to Los Gatos voters.
The first, Measure N, proposes borrowing $321 million for repairs and upgrades to Los Gatos and Saratoga high schools. The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District estimates the bonds would cost about $690 million in principal and interest over their lifetime, with the tax lasting until 2056-57.
Repayment of the bond would come from an increase in property tax. Los Gatos property owners would see an estimated increase of $30 per $100,000 of assessed property value annually.
The money in question would go towards fixing roofs, plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems, as well as improving safety and security, classrooms, science/technology/robotics labs, bathrooms and athletic facilities. The funds would not be allowed to fund teacher or administrator salaries or cover normal operating expenses.
Proponents of the measure point to major repairs needed in aging schools that could become more expensive if delayed. They also claim the measure would help support academic programs.
Those opposed are critical of the long-term debt the measure would create and the effect a new property tax would have on residents. Opponents also question why an additional bond is needed, when the district received a $99 million bond in 2014.
The measure needs 55% approval to pass.
Measure RTM
Another tax increase being proposed on this year’s ballot is a 14-year, five-county regional sales-tax increase for transit and some transportation projects. Revenue generated would be used to maintain transit service, operations, affordability and accessibility programs, as well as some road repaving. In Santa Clara County, the additional revenue would be split between VTA (84.37%) and Caltrain (10.38%), with smaller amounts put towards other regional programs.
Approval of the measure would see Santa Clara County residents paying an additional .5% sales tax (or 50¢ on a taxable $100 purchase). The increase would provide approximately $980 million annually within the five-county region.
Those in favor of the measure say the sales-tax increase is necessary to cover transit agencies’ major funding shortfalls. Supporters also say the money would prevent significant service reductions and resulting increases in traffic.
Opponents of the measure argue higher sales taxes increase everyday costs. They also say transit agencies should address spending, management and efficiency problems before receiving more tax revenue.
The measure requires a simple majority (greater than 50%) to pass.
How you sign
When signing your mail-in ballot, make sure to use your everyday signature.
The Office of the Santa Clara Registrar of Voters told the Los Gatan by email, “Voters should use their normal, everyday signature—the one they would use on official documents. It does not need to match the printed name letter‑for‑letter; what matters is that it matches the signature the county has on file.”
If there is a discrepancy in the signature, the ballot is not immediately rejected. Voters are notified by mail, email or phone and given a period of time (until Nov. 25) to resign or update the signature the Registrar has on file.
Voting centers, where you can drop off your ballot or get a replacement if needed, are now open. Visit rov.sccgov.org for more info.
