While in principle I may be inclined to support certain projects made possible by a land, water and wildlife fund as proposed by Proposition 1, I need more information than that being provided before I vote to increase my property taxes.
If land is going to be purchased for open space, wildlife habitat or some other use, identify the land up front and explain why it needs to be preserved, how much it's going to cost and who the beneficiaries of the sale will be.
Is land acquisition to involve only willing sellers, or is the governmental power of eminent domain to be used to take land from landowners not desirous of selling?
If land is acquired, is it to be held permanently, or encumbered with a conservation easement and resold? In either case, will people involved in the land deals be granted access to the land under preservation? Will the public have full access to land acquired with public funds?
If land is to be acquired for wildlife preservation, will hunting be allowed?
Are the relatively low-density areas adjacent to the cities to be sacrificed in the name of open space in the county?
I could go on, but you get the idea. Before voting to raise my taxes I require a specific project, for a specific purpose, with a known budget. I'm not inclined to tax myself to create a slush fund that can be raided any time someone's pet project is deemed worthy. Get specific and such proposals may have my vote. Meanwhile, I will vote no on Proposition 1.
William Glenn
Ketchum
