Redwood City Daily News
Tuesday, May 3, 2005

Dear Editor,

Over the last month I have been receiving phone calls
exhorting me to vote yes on "V", the measure that
would raise property taxes to support our underfunded
school system. I understand and empathize with the
struggle educatrs are going through right now and,
frankly, it frustrates me.

Not long ago the good citizens of Redwood City had the
opportunity to vote yes on Measure Q, the Marina
Shores project, which would have brought new business,
jobs, and more important, tax revenues into our
community. This included an upfront $6 million out of
the permit fees that would go to our schools, not to
mention the additional annual tax revenues gained from
the sale of these housing units that would continue
feed [sic] the school system. But thanks to the
dedicated efforts and scare tactics of "People for
Housing, not High Rises" -- those civic minded
watchdogs who objected to the height of the proposed
housing units -- 54 percent of Redwood City citizens
voted against Measure Q. This group used exaggerated
arguments of increased traffic, water use and above
all, a sullied landscape to convince a majority that
the project was not in the best interest of our
community.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to "People for Housing,
not High Rises" for keeping the view of the salt flats
pure. After all, Redwood City doesn't ned the revenue
from new development projects to support our schools
and community needs...increased taxes will take care
of that.

James Ennis Kirkland
Spring Stret
Redwood City



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