To the editor:

Both Measure E and L on the Feb. 5 ballot are intended to manage growth in the unincorporated area of Stanislaus County.

Both proposals are initiatives, and they both focus on the county’s general plan. However, the provisions of the measures are distinctly different.

After studying both measures, the League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County finds Measure E is consistent with our long-standing position on land use. The League supports Measure E and opposes Measure L.

Measure E (Amend Land Use Element of the Stanislaus County General Plan, or “Stamp Out Sprawl”) is simply stated and addressed the issue of directing future residential growth to cities.

It would prohibit redesignation or rezoning of land in the unincorporated area of the county from an agricultural or open space use to residential without approval of a majority of the voters of the county (with exemptions for farm labor and required affordable housing and for commercial or industrial projects). That’s it!

Measure L, which was placed on the ballot by the Board of Supervisors as an alternative to Measure E, would establish a board-appointed General Plan Review Commission to review and make recommendations for the county’s General Plan over the next two years. It offers vague guidelines: The review “should include.” The Commission “shall consider.” The Board of Supervisors “shall submit its preferred alternative” to the voters for approval.

Measure L appears to involve the public, however state law has already established the process agencies must follow and describes which agencies must be consulted when developing a General Plan.

The League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County is concerned that Measure L prescribes a “public” process which may be less inclusive than required.

The county has a history of allowing residential developments outside of cities, which places a financial burden on all county residents to provide police and fire protection. We are all aware of county “pockets” that lack sewers, street lights and curbs and gutters. Cities, where infrastructure and public safety services are in place, are where residential development belongs.

If, in the future, a well thought out, quality proposal for rezoning is presented, voters will weigh the benefits of development versus the loss of agricultural land.

Measure E is the way to protect farmland and direct growth to cities where it belongs.

Ellen Meyer
President, League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County

Patty Beyer
Chair, Local Action Committe

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