Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Oct. 29, 2024

Vote yes on Novato Measure M sales tax

Supporting Novato’s Measure M sales tax on the November ballot will allow the city to continue to provide essential services.

Following the ill-advised reduction in the sales tax years ago, Novato has had deficits filled by one-time funding. It is key to have this income restored. I want safe, efficient and fully funded services. Even the Marin County Civil Grand Jury recommended that Novato’s sales tax should at least be the same as neighboring cities.

I urge all to vote yes on Measure M.

— Peter Tiernan, Novato

Vote no on Larkspur Measure K for renters

We absolutely have a housing crisis in the Bay Area, but that does not mean that Larkspur voters should pass Measure K on the November ballot for stronger renter protections. We need to build more housing and I think passing Measure K would do the opposite.

It seeks to drastically restrict property rental increases. I think that could hinder property owners’ ability to maintain their rental units. This will discourage the development of rental housing in Larkspur and will lead to some small landlords pulling their rentals off the market, based on provisions that are simply too extreme and ultimately costly to them.

Over half of the homes and apartments in Larkspur are occupied by renters. If Measure K passes, I think it will upend the balance and enormously increase present rental cost levels. It could cost the city and residents tens of thousands in taxpayer dollars for hearings and litigation to settle the inevitable and endless disputes likely to arise.

In Larkspur, a rent-control ordinance crafted by the City Council and community members was narrowly enacted into law earlier this year, passing by a slim margin of 51.9%. It is already more restrictive than the state law.

The new measure appears to have been proposed by special-interest groups based outside of Larkspur, including the Democratic Socialists of America. It overhauls what was just put in place. It will have a lasting, negative impact in Larkspur that will be felt for years to come.

It’s no coincidence that local community groups and individuals including the Marin IJ, Mayor Gabe Paulson, the Marin Professional Firefighters union and others have all opposed Measure K.

I hope you read between the lines and join me in voting no on Measure K. It will be onerous for landlords and could be terrible for tenants.

— Lauren Sloane, Larkspur

Ken Eichstaedt best for NMWD Division 1 seat

Please vote for Ken Eichstaedt for the Division 1 seat on the North Marin Water District Board of Directors in the Nov. 5 election.

Eichstaedt currently serves on the NMWD board, where he was appointed to fill a vacancy. He is a civil engineer and formerly served as general manager of the Inverness Public Utility District, chief traffic engineer for Petaluma and a designer of major water projects throughout the Bay Area.

He has served on the Alliance of Coastal Marin Villages for Olema, and on the West Marin Chamber of Commerce. He has volunteered for the KWMR radio station. He and his wife operate the Bear Valley Inn.

He is endorsed by Marin Supervisors Eric Lucan and Dennis Rodoni, as well as former Larkspur Mayor Kathy Hartzell, Marin ranching legend Ralph Grossi, the Mainstreet Moms group, former supervisor Steve Kinsey, most of the NMWD directors, state Assemblymember Damon Connolly and Bill Long (former chair of the Marin Open Space Trust). Learn more at keneichstaedt.com.

— Jerry Meral, Inverness

Mary Stompe best for NMWD Division 1 seat

Mary Stompe is the most qualified candidate for the Division 1 seat on the North Marin Water District Board of Directors in the Nov. 5 election.

As her husband, I have known her most of my life. I have seen firsthand how she has dedicated countless hours to the benefit of others — such as volunteering for the Red Cross, as a former Petaluma City Council member and for 20 years as executive director of the PEP Housing nonprofit organization to provide low income housing for seniors.

With a master’s degree in business, and as a certified public accountant as well as a senior certified human-resource professional, she is uniquely qualified to lead an organization.

These qualifications and experience, combined with my wife’s incredible work ethic, makes for a candidate able to understand the varied tasks of directing a water district, such as budgeting, finance, personnel issues and project management. Please join me in voting for Mary Stompe as the next North Marin Water District director representing Division 1.

— Brad Stompe, Novato