Ballots Are Hitting Mailboxes in Alameda County

Main-in ballots have begun arriving in mailboxes throughout the Bay Area. In addition to the presidential primary, US senate race, US congressional race, statehouse races and a statewide measure, voters in Alameda County cities and school districts will cast ballots on a wide variety of measures that are on the June 7 ballot.

Hayward

One of the most controversial issues is Measure C in Hayward, which asks if voters want to move the city's municipal election, which is held in even-numbered years, from June to November.

Supporters, including the Service Employees International Union and City Councilman Francisco Zermeno, say that holding city elections on the same day as state and federal elections would increase voter turnout and save taxpayers money by consolidating elections on one day.

In their ballot argument, supporters say, "Democratic principles and greater accountability are needed in our city elections. The best way to achieve that goal is to make sure elections bring in a greater number of informed voters who will provide scrutiny to the process."

They also say that increasing the number of people who participate in local elections will result in having more young and minority residents vote.

In addition, they say Hayward is the only city in Alameda County that holds its city election in June.

Opponents, including former Alameda County Sheriff and Hayward police Chief Charlie Plummer and former Mayor Michael Sweeney, say they don't want to move the municipal election to November because, "Our local Hayward issues and candidates too often get lost in a barrage of money-fueled ads, mailers and robocalls for national and statewide races."

Opponents allege that SEIU "will spend over $500,000 to take over our Hayward City Council" and say, "We need to stop them by voting NO on Measure C."

The opponents say, "SEIU's goal is clear: move Hayward's election to November, where their enormous financial power can overwhelm any candidate not beholden to them. They want control over our community, and control by any special interest group over Hayward is bad for Hayward."

But Measure C supporters allege, "Our opponents are making the same arguments against moving the election to November that ultra-right wing conservatives are making to suppress voter turnout across America."

Hayward voters also will consider Measure D, which would extend for another 20 years a 5.5 percent local utility users tax that the city's voters approved in 2009 to prevent cuts to public services in the wake of the recession.

That tax is scheduled to expire in 2019. Measure D supporters, who include Plummer, Sweeney and current Mayor Barbara Halliday, say the city has "worked hard to be fiscally responsible" since the tax was implemented, but it needs to be extended to maintain adequate emergency response times and current staffing levels for police, firefighters and paramedics.

But opponent Lawrence Johmann, a Hayward property owner and businessman, says the supporters' argument "reads like an extortion note" and he believes the tax no longer is necessary because of a robust economic recovery and increased sales tax revenues.

"Instead of threatening to cut emergency services, the city ought to be reining in the highest compensation levels of its emergency service personnel," Johmann said.

Albany

In Albany, Measures B and E would raise a combined total of $95 million to rebuild two elementary schools, relieve middle school crowding and add high school classrooms. No arguments against the measures were submitted.

Dublin

In Dublin, Measure H would raise $283 million to construct a second high school, modernize elementary schools and add science labs at two middle schools and the existing high school.

Piedmont

Measure F in Piedmont would increase the city's parcel tax by 30 percent. Supporters say the tax hike is needed "to maintain Piedmont's excellent public services" and because the city needs to address long-standing deferred maintenance of its facilities and update the city's aging infrastructure.

Supporters, including school board president Andrea Swenson and former mayors John Chiang and Valerie Matzger, say, "Our technology infrastructure is antiquated, unreliable and insufficient for the 21st century" and the city must act now "to make repairs and improvements to ensure the city can support its residents."

But opponents, including residents Bruce Joffe and Rick Schiller, say, "The need for such a dramatic increase has not been substantiated by the City Council nor by the budget advisory financial planning committee's report."

They say Piedmont already has one of the highest tax rates in the state and because the current parcel tax doesn't expire until June 2017, "there is no need to scare Piedmonters with service reduction" at this time.

Opponents say the measure should be rejected "so that a more reasonable and justified parcel tax measure can be considered next time."

Fremont

In Fremont, Measure I would extend and increase an existing parcel tax from $53 per year to $73. It would expire in 2025.

Bay City News, image via Shutterstock