Pro: Measure J would pay big dividends for Merced College and deserves support

Social media is powerful. It tells positive stories of local happenings, shares inspirational ideas, and connects us with thousands of friends and supporters.

Unfortunately, it has also become a source of unsubstantiated stories and false narratives; otherwise known as “fake news,” with little-to-no consequences or oversight.

Part of my job is to share the amazing things Merced College is doing to transform this community through high quality and affordable education and work-force development. The other part of my job is giving accurate and factual information to the community.

As many of you know, Measure J is a $247-million bond that will allow us to renovate old buildings, modernize career technical education programs and build new facilities for our growing community.

Along with Measure J is another bond measure, Proposition 13, which has created quite the confusion among voters. It has the same number as Proposition 13 of 1978, but has absolutely nothing to do with it. The state of California recycles propositions numbers every 10 years; thus, opening the door for mass confusion and conspiracies.

The truth about this Proposition 13 is straightforward and much-less controversial than many would have you believe.

The Proposition 13 on the March 3 ballot is a request to authorize bonds to pay for school infrastructure. The statewide bond, if passes, will allow the state to borrow $15 billion for school infrastructure and it is not a tax. Rather, the debt of the bond is paid for out of the state’s general fund.

Coupled with Measure J, Proposition 13 will provide matching funds for our local community college, which could actually reduce the overall debt and local taxes by allowing Merced College to build and renovate the necessary facilities with less local bond dollars.

Measure J will transform our local community college by expanding access to populations in our service area who need it the most. Proposition 13 will help your local dollars go further with matching state funds. It will not reassess your property value, increase property taxes, or repeal the original Proposition 13 from 1978 — they are not related.

To set the record straight on a few other errors of fact:

1. Merced College enrollment is up — almost 15% over the past five years.

2. Our completion and success rates are at all-time highs.

3. We have not lost any funds due to missed performance metrics — in fact, we have exceeded all indicators.

My ask is simple. Make informed decisions, recognize the value of Merced College to this community. Opponents have encouraged you to “read your ballots” and I wholeheartedly agree. Read your ballot, know the facts, and support your local education by voting Yes on Measure J.

Facts are important. And the fact is we need your support on March 3.