October 10, 2008

Measure O receives key endorsements

The Committee for Campbell announced it has received official support from local organizations and residents who have pledged their commitment to help pass Measure O on the November 2008 General Election.

“While the campaign kick-off was only held only a couple of weeks ago, already the Measure has obtained public endorsements from a wide array of business leaders, neighborhood leaders, and community leaders,” said co-chair Dan Furtado.

Congressman Mike Honda, State Senator Joe Simitian, Assemblymember Jim Beall, and Supervisor Ken Yeager are also supporting Measure O.

“If the city does not receive additional funding, the safety of our community will be in jeopardy, said Campbell Police Officers Association President, Gary Berg. “The city is already operating on a very tight budget and anymore reductions in the budget will be devastating to the Police Department’s effectiveness in combating crime.”

Measure O proposes a one quarter cent local sales tax increase to provide local funds for local priorities. No money would go to the state or other communities. According to community feedback conducted this spring by the city, funding priorities include public safety, city streets, and, parks and recreations programs. The state has taken $13 million from Campbell over the past 15 years to solve the state’s own budget problems. To address fiscal challenges, the city has already made $4 million in cuts and adjustments to its budget and has frozen 10 percent of its positions.

“I was very impressed by the city’s efforts to really reach out to the community to explain what the needs are, and also look to us for input on our priorities as residents,” said Willow Bechtel. “Through participation on the Task Force, I was able to learn about how the state’s fiscal crisis has affected us locally, what the city’s financial outlook is, and the many budget cuts that have already been made.”

For a list of early endorsers or more information, visit www.CommitteeForCampbell.com or contact one of the campaign co-chairs; Dan Furtado at (408) 378-3506 or DanCalBear@aol.com or Al Lowder at (408) 370-0948 or CaptAl44@aol.com.