For months, the opposing forces on either side of the Santa
Barbara County transportation debate have threatened to nuke
Measure D’s chances of survival at the June ballot box. In a
surprise orgy of cooperation, the Board of Supervisors and
representatives from each city came together Monday to approve a
single three-quarter cent sales tax proposal for the June ballot.
The County Association of Governments voted 12-0 in favor of the
ballot measure with the 13th member, Solvang Councilmember Edward
Skytt, abstaining. The 12-0 slam dunk outcome notwithstanding,
Monday’s vote remained uncertain until the last minute, despite a
compromise struck between South County Supervisor Salud Carbajal
and North County Supe Joe Centeno to appease Santa Maria
Councilmember Marty Mariscol, who held out for $10 million for
improved intersections. Goleta Mayor Jonny Wallis sparked a late
furor of negotiation, saying she would vote against the measure
unless Goleta was promised seed money for two new freeway
over-crossings; funds were sacrificed from rural highways, bike
paths, and bus riders to round up $7 million needed to mollify
Goleta. Opposition remained from the Taxpayers’ Association and
Cars Are Basic, as well as the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and
Business (COLAB). However, since COLAB’s membership includes the
construction companies expected to build the freeway lanes, bike
lanes, and commuter rail included in the measure, boardmembers
expressed optimism that the business community would ultimately
lend support for the reincarnated Measure D. — Martha
Sadler
