Letter to the editor

Enhance self-reliance

Dear Editor:

I am writing in support of Measure S, a ballot measure to renew a portion of the existing funding already in place for schools in Mammoth Lakes, but I am writing more importantly in support of this community’s ability to look out for itself and to become increasingly self reliant.

Measure S is a ballot measure that will appear on the November 8, 2011 ballot and it is a five-year renewal of the $59 parcel tax that we have paid annually, regardless of lot or building size, for the past eight years. For homeowners and business property owners, the cost amounts to about $1.13 per week, yet the Measure generates around $660,000 annually for Mammoth schools.

As a member of both the Measure R and Measure U campaign committees, I can appreciate the seriousness of bringing important and responsible revenue questions to the public. With the State of California intent on cutting funding to public education even further than it has already, and with the very dire consequences to the schools in Mammoth Lakes should they lose an already existing revenue stream, I am supporting Measure S and I would encourage the rest of the voting community here in Mammoth to support it as well.

At last week’s Town Council meeting, when Tom Cage asked the Town’s Attorney the direct question of whether or not Measures R or U could used to pay off the judgment that the Town is currently under and the Town’s attorney replied “no,” I felt a renewed appreciation for how important it is for all of us here in Mammoth Lakes to secure resources that directly benefit this community. And so for the schools, and for our enhanced self-reliance, I urge the voters of Mammoth Lakes to vote Yes on Measure S.

Thanks –

John Wentworth
Mammoth Lakes