Residents will get another chance to learn about Measure G, a
controversial initiative on the March election ballot, at separate
forums Jan. 14 and Jan. 21.
The
”
Public Forums on Measure G
”
will include panels of presenters to share views on the measure,
also known as the Growth Control Initiative.
Residents will get another chance to learn about Measure G, a controversial initiative on the March election ballot, at separate forums Jan. 14 and Jan. 21.
The “Public Forums on Measure G” will include panels of presenters to share views on the measure, also known as the Growth Control Initiative.
The first meeting is at the San Juan Bautista Community Center, 10 San Jose St. The second is at the Hollister City Hall Council Chambers, 375 Fifth St. Both are 7-8:30 p.m.
The panels will include two residents from each side of the issue. Both proponents and opponents will be asked to have five questions – at each forum – to ask the opposing side, according to Paul Hain. He is a land steward who is a member of the San Benito Agricultural Land Trust, which is sponsoring the forums.
Hain said the Land Trust has members on both sides, so the organization has taken a neutral stance.
“I think all sides have found out it’s difficult to engage the voters,” Hain said.
Measure G is intended to control housing growth within San Benito County limits through several mechanisms. Most talked about is an amendment in the measure that would restrict agricultural landowners’ ability to divide and sell their properties.
“This is the biggest land use issue that’s come up in a lot of years,” Hain said.
Measure G has endured an array of governmental and legal strife. Initially passed as an ordinance by the county Board of Supervisors in April 2003, that decision was overturned by a signature referendum – which has since been challenged in the courts.
Measure G has also been the focus at several Consensus Building Workshops put on by ranchers Joe and Julie Morris.
There is no cost to the Measure G forums. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Hain at 628-0838.
