Former Palo Alto Mayor Lydia Kou says that even if Measure A passes, the county could still cut public health services: There’s talk of spending the sales tax money on police, DA, and unnamed services. Meanwhile, former Monte Sereno Councilmember Liz Lawler calls out the SC County supes for failing to trim the budgetary fat. Instead, they treat the taxpayer “like an ATM.” An exclusive commentary.
Read MoreThe "but" rule is a rhetorical device favored by hucksters, boosters, and local politicians who try to hornswaggle their audience by saying two opposing things at the same time via the conjunction "but." SJ Mayor Matt Mahan provides a classic example in his recent misguided endorsement of Prop 50. Talking to SJ Spotlight, Mahan makes a compelling argument against Prop 50, even as he endorses it. Prop 50 will do away with CA's independent, citizen-run redistricting process in favor of district maps drawn by the state's Democrat party.
Read MoreA sales tax is unfair to renters and working families, says Cupertino Mayor Liangfang Chao, and Measure A will “double the burden” for residents who already pay into the El Camino Hospital District. Meantime, it siphons fundraising power out of Milpitas, and other cities facing deficits. Before asking taxpayers to “throw more money into a broken system,” one that costs twice more per resident than LA County, she says Santa Clara County should provide a credible plan for health spending. An exclusive commentary.
Read MoreMeasure A money can be spent on anything. But even if it does get sunk into SC County’s health system, well, why? SVTA Board Member Elizabeth Brierly asks why the county overleveraged into failing facilities when 94% of CA hospitals are private. There’s a market if the Supes wanted to trim the fat. Instead, they recently rejected an offer on O’Connor. An Opp Now exclusive Q&A.
Read MoreEverybody knows that SJUSD public schools will start to shutter soon, as alternative schooling and a crashing birth rate drag down enrollment. So says John Muir Middle School SSC member Shane Lewis in an Opp Now exclusive Q&A: rather than hike taxes for “self-preservation,” the district might learn a thing or two from charter schools about accountability and healthy competition.
Read MoreSJ's "pragmatic progressive" mayor lines up behind the county's fiscally irresponsible, strategically flawed, and economically illiterate Measure A. Opp Now unpacks the measure's three big business no-no's in this exclusive.
Read MoreIf residents think a 5/8-cent sales tax hike will save county hospitals, they’ve got another thing coming. So says HJTA VP Susan Shelley: the cynical Supes made it a general tax, needing just 50% approval. SCC GOP Chair Dave Johnson calls it a deceptive maneuver that fuels profligate, unaccountable spending. An Opp Now exclusive Q&A.
Read MoreSanta Clara County's misguided decision to purchase a collection of failing hospitals is a classic example of capital mismanagement, prompting the need for the widely-panned Measure A sales tax hike. Harvard Business Review explains the mindset, processes, and protocols good leaders exhibit (county Supes take note) when protecting, growing, and making the most of capital assets.
Read MoreFailures to plan adequately--especially regarding securing necessary finances--shows up regularly in big government mistakes such as the county's ill-advised hospital purchases. Portman Finance Group unpacks how smart executives secure adequate revenue before they launch new, expensive expansion projects.
Read MoreIf Measure A is supposed to address Medi-Cal limits, it’s “premature” says SVTA Board Member Elizabeth Brierly: why not let funding shake out in the state legislature—before making Santa Clara County take one for the team? But is this even about the hospitals? Brierly says the county's wanted a new sales tax for “quite a while.” An Opp Now exclusive Q&A.
Read MoreWhen business leaders think they need to do everything themselves, own everything, and decide everything (sound familiar, Santa Clara County Supes?), trouble usually ensues. IENYC explores how to create a partnership model that shares expertise and risk.
Read MoreFollowing critiques from Rishi Kumar and Dawn Davis, HJTA VP Susan Shelley says “there’s no such thing as a temporary tax in California.” SCC GOP Chair Dave Johnson agrees, noting the rapid special election means residents “won’t even know what hit them.” An Opp Now exclusive Q&A.
Read More
