By Khalida Sarwari
The Campbell City Council officially backed Measure C at its April 3 meeting, approving a resolution supporting the 40-year, $350 million bond issue for the West Valley-Mission Community College District on the June general election ballot.
The district needs the bond to renovate its two campuses in Santa Clara and Saratoga. If the measure is approved by a 55 percent super majority, the district would use the funds from the bond to upgrade academic and job-training equipment and renovate 14 aging buildings at Mission and West Valley colleges.
West Valley College president Lori Gaskin told the council, “This is such an ancient campus that everything is wearing out. We need to reinvest for another 40 years.”
Specifically, Measure C would address the replacement of outdated classrooms, labs, lecture halls, performing arts spaces and administrative facilities; the upgrading and replacement of existing technology infrastructure; the repairing and replacement of leaky roofs, heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems; and upgrading earthquake safety for classrooms.
Property owners would be taxed at a rate of $16.25 per $100,000 of assessed valuation to pay off the bond. The average Campbell homeowner would pay about $60 per year for 40 years, on top of what property owners already pay in valuation for a 2004 bond.
The council agreed to support the proposition in a 3-1 vote. Councilman Rich Waterman did not vote on the matter, citing a conflict of interest.
Councilman Jeff Cristina cast the sole dissenting vote, saying the bond issue would place a burden on residents in a down economy.
“It seems maybe they should have asked for more money the first time or the money wasn’t allocated correctly,” Cristina said, referring to the voter-approved Measure H that brought a $235 million bond issue for the district.
Councilman Jason Baker argued that though the measure “is a hit on property tax,” it would be a worthwhile investment in education for Campbell residents, who, according to Gaskin, make up the majority of students at the West Valley campus.
“We have no excuse for not investing in education,” Baker said. “It behooves us all to invest in education up front so our students will be prepared for the world-class, high-technology, high-paying jobs.”
In response to the council’s endorsement, West Valley-Mission Community College District Board of Trustees president Adrienne Grey said she was “delighted” and that the council’s support would send a message to voters.
“We really feel strongly that a campaign that wins in Campbell will win overall,” Grey said.
