Arguments Due March 13 for Two Local Measures

The deadline for filing arguments for or against two local measures called for the June 3, 2003 Special Election is set for 5 p.m., Thursday, March 13, according to the Santa Cruz County Elections Department.

The following questions will be before qualified voters this June:

· To minimize educational cuts, including science instructors, qualified teachers, and school libraries, shall the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District collect $11.25/month per taxable parcel for five years, with
independent citizen oversight and exemptions for parcels owned/occupied by seniors (65+), for educational purposes such as: Smaller class sizes, Retaining qualified teachers, Science and computer instruction, Arts and music education, Advanced classes for college preparation, and shall the
District’s annual appropriations limit be raised by such amount?

· Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District - Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District Bond Measure. Shall the Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in a principal amount not
exceeding $1,000,000 and bearing interest at rates within the legal limit, to assist in constructing a new fire station facility, pay costs related to bond issuance, and levy a special tax based on assessed valuation on taxable
real property and improvements in the district to pay for the bonds and the cost of administering them?

Persons interested in filing arguments for or against the school or fire district measure may obtain additional information from the Santa Cruz County Elections Department. Arguments for and against these measures must
be filed by 5 p.m., Thursday, March 13 with the county elections official, 701 Ocean St., Room 210, Santa Cruz, 831-454-2060.

Arguments may not exceed 300 words. In addition, arguments must be accompanied by a signed “Signature Statement” form available from the elections official or online at www.votescount.com <www.votescount.com> The form is contained in the “Guide to Writing Arguments” on the Elections Department’s website.

Only one argument for and one argument against each measure will be printed in the Voter’s Information Pamphlet of the Sample Ballot. Should more than one argument be filed, the elections official will choose one to appear in accordance with the law.

Letters to the measures will be assigned March 7, which is the final day a jurisdiction may call for an election in June 2003.

For more information, please call the Santa Cruz County Elections Department at 831-454-2060 or go online to www.votescount.com <www.votescount.com> for the latest election information.

Gail L. Pellerin
Santa Cruz County Elections Manager
701 Ocean St., Rm 210, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-454-2419 (voice)
731-454-2445 (FAX)
gail.pellerin (at) co.santa-cruz.ca.us