Opinion
Measure E is a half-cent sales tax to implement water quality programs in Clear Lake and has been placed on the ballot by a unanimous vote of the Lake County Board of Supervisors. If passed, it would impose a half-cent sales tax on transactions in the county.
The sales tax monies raised would be used to (1) fund nuisance weed and algae abatement programs; (2) strengthen efforts to prevent infestation of quagga and zebra mussels from infesting Clear Lake; and (3) fund water quality programs to comply with state and federal regulatory conditions to protect and improve Clear Lake’s water quality.
Sales tax monies raised through Measure E would only be spent on the lake. Revenues cannot be diverted to any other purposes. In addition to an annual independent audit, the establishment of a citizens oversight committee will insure transparency. Measure E will sunset in 10 years.
While some work to improve and maintain the quality of the lake has been under way, a reliable source of funding is essential if it is to continue. The health of the lake depends on programs such as the Middle Creek Marsh Wetland Restoration and the prevention of the infestation of quagga mussels.
Since excessive algae growth and poor water quality has had a negative impact on the tourism industry, passage of Measure E will likely have positive effects for the local economy, and increased discussion about the proposal is likely to raise awareness and support of ecological issues regarding the lake.
Therefore, by a majority vote, the Lake County Winery Association Board of Directors supports Measure E and urges the winery membership and the community of Lake County to vote in favor of Measure E.
“Restoring the health of Clear Lake is imperative for the health of the lake and it is critical for the future of our community and for Lake County tourism,” said Lake County Winery Association Vice Chair Gregory Graham.
The Lake County Winery Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007.
The association serves over 50 vintners and associate members who share a mission to promote awareness of Lake County’s wine industry, quality high elevation wines and superb tourism opportunities while preserving and protecting the pristine beauty of the region.
The Lake County Winery Association strives to promote and protect the County’s unique and distinct rural attributes – our lake, our mountain, our air and our land.
Monica Rosenthal is executive director of the Lake County Winery Association, www.lakecountywineries.org . She lives in Middletown, Calif.
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- Written by: Monica Rosenthal
Since when does anyone want another tax increase … never!
However, understanding the negative impact that aquatic weeds and algae have had on our Lake County tourism traffic for the past three years should make everyone in the county think YES when it comes to voting on Measure E, the lake sales tax.
The Lake County Chamber Board of Directors voted to support Measure E at their August meeting because they understand how our communities are impacted by the lack of tourists.
Whether you live on Clear Lake or a community far from the lake such as Cobb, Middletown, Hidden Valley Lake or Blue Lakes, your local economy is impacted by the condition of the lake. Fewer tourists coming to recreate on Clear Lake reduces the numbers of vehicles traveling to and through your communities.
Aquatic weeds and algae are a condition of Clear Lake that will always have to be addressed to some degree. The summers of 2010, 2011 and 2012 have seen excessive algae bloom impacts that have touched all of us.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors has invested heavily in attempts to mitigate the negative impacts of the algae blooms, however the county does not have funds to continue the “fight.” Much of what was invested the past few years were one-time monies that no longer exist.
If Clear Lake is going to receive the attention and continued efforts to mitigate weeds/algae, and efforts to keep the quagga/zebra mussels at bay, it is up to us!
Measure E is the solution to funding future efforts to continue the fight. Neither the state nor the federal governments will be sending any funds for this battle.
Since 2008 the Lake County Department of Water Resources has tried a myriad of methods to abate aquatic weeds/algae and they are continuing to pursue whatever methods they became aware of which might have a positive impact in this area. As the lead agency for the county of Lake, the lack of funds will definitely hamper their efforts.
We, as voters in Lake County, can be a part of finding solutions by supporting Measure E, thus supporting their innovative leadership.
A half-cent sales tax from residents and visitors will make the difference in how the condition of Clear Lake impacts our communities and our tourism traffic.
Measure E is written to:
- Require that revenues are “locked-in” to be spent only on Clear Lake;
- Mandates a citizen’s oversight committee;
- Mandates an annual audit of how the funds are expended;
- Contains a 10-year sunset clause.
The cost to an average family of four will be less than $30/year.
A vote for Measure E will protect our air quality, enhance countywide property values, encourage new investments in our communities and induce job growth.
The Lake County Chamber Board of Directors urges a YES vote on Measure E.
Melissa Fulton is chief executive officer of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, based in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Melissa Fulton
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