Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Feb. 24, 2024

Watershed recreation plan must ensure equity

I grew up hiking the trails on Mount Tamalpais with my father. In my teens, I took up mountain biking and quickly learned that Marin Municipal Water District officials didn’t want me or my friends on their trails, so we all rode the backside of China Camp State Park for years. I resented the fact that I couldn’t ride trails on Mount Tamalpais.

In time, I grew up and became a leader in the conservation field, serving my last 12 years as general manager of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Up north, it wasn’t about who was allowed to use the trails, as everyone worked together to ensure equitable access.

I can tell you firsthand that equitable access leads to widespread support for conservation.

I commend the MMWD Board of Directors for pushing forward on a recreation management plan that will finally ensure equitable access for all users. When I attend trail work days, I see our mountain-biking youth rolling up their sleeves to maintain trails. They often comment to me that they are desperate for opportunities to ride trails.

We now have an opportunity to change the dynamic and foster our next generation of land stewards. If we want them to grow up and be conservationists, we must meet them where they are and provide access to the experiences they desire. Let’s get this right.

— Bill Keene, Fairfax

Vote for Damon Connolly in state Assembly primary

Please vote for Damon Connolly in the March 5 primary election. He deserves to continue his role as our District 12 representative in the state Assembly.

Connolly is an effective representative for our Northern California values. He gets legislation passed because he knows how to use his extensive local government experience, good knowledge of the facts, his logic and his ability to work with people to get bills passed.

I have talked to Connolly about some county issues in the past. He has always been willing to listen. He is open to new or different views.

Connolly is already on many committees to address the threat of climate change. He works on wildfire and energy issues, as well as the budget committee. He is working hard to reopen a third lane to help with issues related to commute traffic on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.

We need to reelect Connolly so he can keep fighting to improve our lives.

— Jack Gundersheim, Larkspur

Proposition 1 deserves a no vote on Election Day

Regarding state Proposition 1 in the March 5 election, I agree with California’s League of Women Voters. In urging voters to reject the proposal, it wrote that “budgetary decisions should be made by the Legislature, not by earmarking funds through ballot initiatives.”

In 2004, voters approved legislation that imposed a tax on millionaires to finance mental health services, generating between $2 billion and $3 billion in revenue each year. That money goes to counties to fund mental health programs as they see fit.

Over the last 20 years, California counties have used their allotments to create a diverse array of programs meeting their communities’ unique mental health needs.

A recently published article by the Associated Press (“Some say Prop. 1 would worsen unhoused crisis,” Feb. 18) reported that the state would take control of 60% of county allotments, with a “one size fits all” formula, should the proposition pass.

Proposition 1 would also authorize the state to borrow $6.38 billion to build treatment units and supportive housing.

Joe Wilson, who runs Hospitality House in San Francisco, said it well in a quote from the article: “Everyone agrees that we need more resources for housing. … Is this the best way to do it? We don’t believe so.”

The League of Women Voters sums it up by stating that Proposition 1 “has the overall effect of reducing counties’ ability to set priorities based on local needs for mental health services. While the additional housing resources offered through Prop. 1 are sorely needed, they do not outweigh its flaws.”

— Gayle W. Mills, San Rafael

Vote yes on Measure A for Tam District high schools

As a counselor at Archie Williams High School, I work with hundreds of students a year. I have worked with thousands over my career. I’m proud to work in a district that puts students first and hope that voters will join me in supporting the Measure A bond proposal on the March 5 ballot because it’s good for all of our students.

Students at all five Tamalpais Union High School District campuses deserve to go to school in up-to-date, safe environments that are conducive for teaching and learning. If Measure A passes, our schools will receive much-needed upgrades. The district completed a comprehensive facilities master plan, led by architects and construction professionals, to identify the most necessary work at each site. Like staff members at each campus, teachers and staff at Archie Williams had the opportunity to contribute and prioritize student needs.

The district has significant facilities issues that cannot wait to be addressed. While the needs at each site differ, all of the work that will be impactful for students.

Construction only gets more expensive with time. Each year that we wait, our students miss out. Please vote yes on Measure A by Election Day. Thank you for your consideration and support.

— Sheila Souder, San Rafael

Vote no on Measure A for Tam District high schools

I am a lifelong educator and a diehard supporter of quality in education. Children are our future. Since 1975, I have voted yes on every Marin school bond or parcel tax because an informed, educated public improves the lives of everyone. However, I am voting against the Measure A bond proposal for the Tamalpais Union High School District on the March 5 ballot.

In making my decision, I took a close look at the College of Marin’s recently completed the 10,900-square-foot Bill and Adele Jones Center at the Indian Valley campus in Novato. This modern, well-equipped student center and banquet hall was built for much less than TUHSD believes it will spend on what appears to be a pricey proposed cafeteria and student service space at Redwood High School. By that comparison alone, I believe Measure A is fiscally reckless.

The Tamalpais District’s funding request merits a do over.

— Tom Verkozen, San Anselmo

McPhail Sridharan best for District 2 supervisor

I write in support of Heather McPhail Sridharan in her run for the District 2 seat on the Marin County Board of Supervisors in the March 5 primary election.

McPhail Sridharan and I have been part of the same Spanish conversation group for more than five years. I know her to be well-informed, personable and with an impeccable command of the Spanish language. I consider that to be a strong asset as she represents Latino constituents.

— Potter Wickware, Mill Valley

Brian Colbert best for District 2 supervisor seat

As a longtime first responder for the San Francisco Fire Department and current inspector for the Marin County Fire Department, I can tell you from firsthand experience that Brian Colbert is the kind of leader we need to help us prevent and prepare for wildfires in our communities.

As a resident of San Anselmo, I’ve also seen how hard Colbert works to build relationships across our community to ensure a diversity of opinions and ideas are considered. He works just as hard to shape those ideas into concrete outcomes.

We’ll miss Colbert as a valuable member of the San Anselmo Town Council, but I believe he’s needed even more on the Marin County Board of Supervisors to help our broader Marin communities prepare for natural disasters like wildfires and to work effectively as one region on issues that affect all of us.

Please vote for Brian Colbert in the race for the District 2 seat in the March 5 primary election.

— Dan Dunnigan, San Anselmo