LWV LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Smart Voter
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 1999 Election

League of Women Voters
Nonpartisan Analysis of
Measure E
Bond Foothill-De Anza Community College District

This nonpartisan analysis was prepared by the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto.

The Question

Should the Foothill-De Anza Community College District borrow $248 million through the sale of general obligation bonds at interest rates within the legal limits and with no proceeds used for administrator salaries, in order to repair and rehabilitate aging facilities, refurbish class-rooms, laboratories and restrooms, construct science and high-tech instructional facilities, and meet current health, safety and instructional standards at both colleges?

Background

Foothill and De Anza Colleges were established in 1957 and 1967, respectively, and serve the communities of Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Sunnyvale and parts of Cupertino and San Jose. The colleges offer education beyond the K-12 systems to an annual enrollment of approximately 40,000 students with programs that include academic courses for credits eligible for transfer to four-year public and private colleges and universities, as well as vocational and career programs in diverse industries. Enrollment is projected to grow by 15% by the year 2005 due to increasing numbers of high school graduates and increased demand for post-secondary education. The general funds annual budget of the District is $126 million. It is financed 40% from local tax revenues, 42% state and federal sources, 9% student tuition, and 9% other sources.

Proposal

Measure E will authorize $248 million general obligation bonds to be issued over a period of 10 years to provide funds for the repair, renovation, rehabilitation, and construction of new instructional and service facilities for Foothill and De Anza Colleges as well as for the District. Approval requires a 2/3 majority vote of those voting on Measure E. It is estimated that property taxes will increase by about $14 per $100,000 assessed valuation when all bonds are sold.

Arguments in Favor of Measure E

Arguments against Measure E

The League of Women Voters is a nationwide political but nonpartisan organization. Our purpose is to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government and to influence public policy through education and advocacy.

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