No on Proposition EE

            I remember Proposition 37, the California State Lottery Act of 1984, which authorized the state lottery.  Back then, I was relieved to know that 80 percent of our state lottery revenues would be allotted to K-12 schools, 13 percent to community colleges, 5 percent to the California State University, and 2 percent would go to the University of California.  Since Proposition 37 began in 1985, community colleges have been given about 3.27 billion of those dollars.   Because we now know the consequences of the lottery dollars we approved of back then, I say it’s time to reject all propositions related to raising additional education tax revenue, including Proposition EE, a new homeowners tax that will eventually be increased, no matter what is said by its promoters.  

            Proposition EE, while filled with words such as “stringent financial accountability requirements,” will bring us nothing of the sort.  The tendency toward unnecessary expenditure is exemplified by the 11 by 17 inch glossy colored brochure sent via the Postal Service from Mira Costa College in support of Proposition EE.  This flyer is one small example of why our educational institutions are in financial trouble.  Was the expensive advertisement and the postal costs to mail this humungous ad funded with education tax dollars?  It’s certainly difficult to ignore the self-contradictory Orwellian way the flyer promotes goals and purposes, with wonderful words about “ensuring that students, active military and war veterans are either prepared for transfer to the state university systems or be trained for in-demand, high-paying jobs.”  Hello.  Do you think we, the people, are fools?

            Another promoted goal and purpose mentioned in the ad is about improving facilities in order “to increase class offerings and reduce the time it requires students to complete their programs.”  This definitely sounds like a grand idea, but why hasn’t this been done already?  The brochure claims the reason for this goal is due to the increase of students.   How about talking to our public high schools about implementing successful training programs of the past which would not require a college degree?  If I remember correctly, two high school woodshop students in East County created the widely successful Taylor Guitar business.  We currently have too many useless degrees and not enough workers for various skilled labor positions.   

            Additionally, MiraCosta College continues to offer programs for non-college students such as dance, art, and other non-career programs.  That’s not my goal for a college funded with my tax dollars.  While these programs may be fun and useful to people, this shows how financially ridiculous the local college programs have become.  I would immediately eliminate this agenda because I personally am tired of my tax dollars being spent on classes I don’t need nor want, classes people should pay for privately. Also, the expensively crafted brochures sent to me regarding these programs are a waste of my tax dollars, money that would be better spent on the needed upgrade of buildings.

            I say the goals and purposes of MiraCosta college should be simple. The first goal is to educate students in the basic academic courses needed for acceptance into a 4 year college. The second goal is completion of that education program within two years.  That’s it.  End of the goals list. 

            And finally, in the expensive advertisement, Superintendent/President Rodriquez states, “Proposition EE will cost approximately $19.64/year per $100,000 of assessed property…value.”  Hello?  This is a great deal of money from local homeowners, especially senior citizens with limited incomes.  Why should we foot more wasted education tax dollars?  We’re already forced to give public education tax dollars for programs and commercials we don’t need or want. 

            Of course, the frosting on the phony Prop EE cake is the Dr. Rodriquez promise of “strong fiscal accountability safeguards…..”  I’ve heard that concept countless times.  And while Dr. Rodriquez, touts  the  “Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee” to monitor how funds are spent, I am aware of the politics involved in obtaining a position on any committee.  I wonder how many of my tax dollars will go to compensate the committee.   NO on Prop EE.   I say, “No” to new taxes.  Cut. Cut. Cut.  Cut spending on unneeded projects.  Start by cutting the non academic community dance, art classes, etc., and the brochures advertising them.