ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE A
Vote NO on Measure A—It costs too much, does too little, and solves nothing.
It's time for the county to tighten its belt, not reach into your pocket.
Measure A is a regressive sales tax. This new tax hits low-and middle-income families the hardest during a time of crushing inflation. It's an open-ended slush fund with no binding oversight, making ours one of the most heavily taxed counties in California.
Vote NO on Measure A because it's:
A bailout for failure—The county's recklessly expanded hospital system lost $600 million last year, is projected to lose $1 billion next year, and $1.4-$3 billion by 2030. Measure A's $330 million per year won't even scratch the surface, guaranteeing future tax hikes.
Proof the County can't fix its problems—A Santa Clara County Grand Jury found the Valley Transportation Authority (bus and light rail) has lost billions over the years, covering only 7-10% of costs through fares. Yet county leaders refuse to fix these failing programs before demanding more money from taxpayers.
A legal loophole—The county has known about this deficit for years, yet rushed Measure A onto the ballot with just 24 hours' notice as an "emergency" general tax. Not a dime will be dedicated to healthcare, and the funds can be spent on anything. It can pass with just 50% plus one vote (instead of the two-thirds required for a dedicated tax) and has no binding oversight to ensure promises are kept.
Measure A isn't a plan—it's a last-minute band-aid that hides decades of fiscal mismanagement and guarantees further taxes. Demand real reform, fiscal discipline, and leadership that lives within its means.
Rishi Kumar
Councilmember of Saratoga (Former)
Liang Fang Chao
Mayor of Cupertino
Elisabeth V . Lawler
Mayor, Monte Sereno (Former)
Lydia Kou
Former Mayor, City of Palo Alto
Rowena Turner
Mayor, Monte Sereno (Former)