Subject: ITEM S-6B

July 9, 2007

Dave Potter, Chair
Board of Supervisors
County of Monterey
168 West   Alisal Street
Salinas, CA 93901

The League of Women Voters of the Salinas Valley and the League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula strongly support the right of citizens to petition their government.  In the case of GPU4, the Leagues supported the referendum that was placed on the ballot as Measure C.

Unlike Measure B, Measure C provided a clear and unambiguous choice to the voters where Yes meant Yes and No meant No.  Taken within the context of all the measures on the ballot, including Measure D which repealed the Board’s approval of Butterfly Village, it is clear that voters do not support the Board’s land use policies.  It is also clear that a stalemate exists between supporters of the Community General Plan Initiative and GPU4.

We urge the Board to find that Measure C, a petition of the people, takes precedence over Measure B.  We urge the Board to let the 1982 General Plan remain in effect until a new general plan is adopted, and further, we urge the Board to implement a process for reaching a compromise general plan that builds consensus and unity.  

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

MaryEllen Dick, President                              Janet Brennan , President
LWV of the Salinas Valley                             LWV of the Monterey Peninsula