THE League or Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government.

The Eden Area League of Women Voters Board of Directors supports the Incorporation of Castro Valley for the following reasons: (1) the citizens will have direct control over planning, zoning and other land-use issues; (2) there will be an Improved level of services to residents because of direct accountability, local determination and competitive pricing for services; (3) Citizens of Castro valley wIll be able to decide on their own taxation programs and revenue policies; (4) local elected officials from Castro Valley will have direct control over how and where those tax and revenue dollars will be spent; and (5) as a city they will be able to apply directly for federal and state grant programs such as community block grants and Infrastructure development dollars.

We understand that many opponents believe that becoming a city will raise taxes. In fact, as unincorporated residents of the county, they currently pay taxes, which may be raised at any time without their vote, (I.e.. taxation without representation), and which may or may not be spent In the Castro Valley community.

Currently, the county has two tax initiatives on the November ballot. Everyone In the county from Berkeley to Newark gets to vote an whether they think the tax Is a good thing for residents of the unincorporated area, regardless of whether or not residents of the unincorporated areas desire the increased tax.

If an area wants services It must pay for them whether through the county or their own city. The biggest difference Is that local officials know what Is wanted and needed in the area. We believe local control of expenditures and revenues is more cost effective. In addition, city staff could contract for these services at more competitive pricing.

The League believes that as a city, Castro Valley will have Improved focus, Identity and power. It will Improve planning and land use decisions and will provide for direct economic development consistent with their community vision. It will be able to set service priorities that meet the needs and preferences of their residents, such as law enforcement levels and target areas and zoning enforcement. Incorporation allows them to shape their community directly.

All these decisions affect property values and determine the kind of communities we are and will be in the future. Castro Valley residents can devote resources to targeted projects that support community values as well as businesses —Improved transportation, telecommunications infrastructure and partnerships with their schools. Their government should be under their control. They should not be subject to the priorities of Oakland, Hayward, Fremont, or Berkeley.

We urge all citizens of Castro Valley to vote “yes” on Q.