Issue date: October 20, 1999
By MARJORIE MADER
When they go to the polls November 2, voters throughout San Mateo County will decide on a major update for the three campuses of the San Mateo County Community College District.
Listed as "Measure A" on the ballot, it would authorize a $148 million bond issue to provide funds for shoring up an aging infrastructure and renovating the campuses, built essentially at the same time, some 30 years ago.
To pass, the measure must be approved by two-thirds of voters.
Among the specific projects: upgrade computer and science labs, repair leaky roofs, retrofit classrooms, and provide seismic upgrades at the campuses -- Canada College in Woodside, College of San Mateo in San Mateo, Skyline College in San Bruno.
In the past, voters approved two college bond measures -- $5.9 million in 1957 and $12.6 million in 1964 -- to expand the district's single campus, known since 1922 as San Mateo Junior College, to three new sites.
The cost to property owners for the latest measure is estimated at $6.85 per $100,000 assessed valuation per year for 25 years, the length of the proposed general obligation bond issue.
The owner of a home, having the average assessed home valuation of $247,000 in San Mateo County, would pay $16.92 per year.
Proponents note that for the cost of a large pizza and a soft drink, homeowners each year can make a substantial investment in the community college district. This investment is needed, they say, to provide a learning and teaching environment to prepare thousands of students for the 21st century.
The major chunk of the bond money would go toward modernization and improvement of vocational-technical labs, and the renovation of classrooms and collaborative learning centers. The only new major construction proposed is a $14.8 million library and technology-learning resource center at Canada College and a $14.1 million vocational technical addition at Skyine.
Other funds would go to improve computer networks, repair heating and cooling equipment, plumbing, electrical, hardware and utility systems; remove hazardous material (asbestos); and make exterior repairs to buildings on the three campuses. Improving access for disabled people is also on the district's bond project list.
College trustees, administrators and staff members have wrestled with the issues of updating the three campuses for the past eight years. Facilities are wearing out. There have been architectural, seismic and infrastructure studies. The district has developed an educational-facilities master plan, five-year-capital outlay plan, a district instructional technology plan, and a facilities capital improvement plan.
Trustees also looked at selling or leasing land on its campuses not used for college programs. They determined this approach wasn't feasible to finance needed projects, which would actually cost $220 million, district officials say. Funds from the state are not available for the projects.
A public opinion survey, conducted by the district, showed voters would support a bond issue to update the campuses. They would be willing to pay to fix leaky roofs and essentials, but they weren't willing to pay for parking lots, bookstores and gyms, said district Chancellor Earl Johnson. After the survey, the proposed bond measure was set at $148 million.
The measure hasn't become a hot topic since the five members of the board voted unanimously to put it on the ballot. Their action did spark the interest of John J. "Jack" Hickey of Redwood City, an outspoken opponent of tax and bond measures, who then decided to run for the board.
Mr. Hickey is the main opponent of the bond measure and signed the ballot argument against Measure A along with board candidate Margaret Buckley Schmidt of Redwood City, Lacy Nelson chairman pro tem of the Libertarian Party of San Mateo County, and David L. Collins of San Mateo Highlands.
Signing the ballot argument for Measure A were Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, state Senator Jackie Speier, county Sheriff Don Horsely, county Superintendent of Schools Floyd Gonella and senior advocate Ruth K. Nagler.
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