Editorial: Yes on SRJC’s Measure H

Many Sonoma Valley residents and graduates of Sonoma Valley High School have benefited from attending Santa Rosa Junior College. In fact, so successful has the nearly 100-year-old SRJC been in attracting Sonoma County students, its buildings, some of which are way past their prime, are bulging at the seams with overcrowding.

Measure H is on the Sonoma County ballot to raise $410 million in bonds for construction, repairs and improvements to SRJC classrooms. It will cost approximately $25 per $100,000 of assessed valuation annually.

Most of us who live in Sonoma Valley have family, friends and neighbors who have attend SRJC. Both of my parents earned their AA degrees there. My children have taken classes there. Employees of the Index-Tribune have taken journalism courses there. There are thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of examples of how we all benefit from having this high-quality college so close and so available.

That is why I am voting yes on Measure H and urge I-T readers to do the same.

This is not the first time Sonoma County residents have been asked to help sustain this important institution, nor will it be the last. It is a distinguished legacy that requires community support.

The college’s only previous bond measure passed in 2002 and was successfully used to repair classrooms and aging buildings. Projects completed thanks to that bond included the Doyle Library, Plover Hall, Petaluma Campus expansion, Bertolini Student Center, Burdo Culinary Center and other upgrades, including those for technology.

In other words, the money was well spent for the benefit of the residents of our county.

Passage of the measure means the college’s overcrowding can be effectively addressed. It can continue to prepare students to attend four-year universities and to compete in the 21st century.

The measure also supports the training of public safety, nursing and health care workers. It offers training in manufacturing, engineering, science, automotive and diesel mechanics, agriculture, journalism and other fields.

All of the funds raised by the bond measure will be spent on Santa Rosa Junior College. State government takes none of it. Control of the funds will remain in local hands through our elected SRJC Board of Trustees. An annual financial audit and independent citizen oversight will ensure funds are used as intended.

SRJC is a valuable community asset, one that has earned our respect and should be sustained. Read your sample ballot and try to talk to someone who attends or has attended SRJC. I believe you will see why Measure H is worth your support.