State Sen. Jeff Denham announced this week he opposes San Benito
County’s Measure G on Tuesday’s ballot.
Denham, R
–Salinas, believes the growth control measure would harm
farmers, small businesses and job growth in the county, according
to a statement released this week.
State Sen. Jeff Denham announced this week he opposes San Benito County’s Measure G on Tuesday’s ballot.
Denham, R–Salinas, believes the growth control measure would harm farmers, small businesses and job growth in the county, according to a statement released this week.
He also believes it would reduce funding for public services, including schools.
“Measure G offers lots of empty promises, but not much in the way of real benefits in San Benito County,” he said in the statement.
He could not be reached for further comment.
Measure G is a proposed amendment to the General Plan that would change zoning of many agricultural properties, lowering the potential development value of those lands.
It would also create a program that compensates affected landowners while promoting development in or near Hollister, and leave most decisions on the future pace of development to voters.
Supporters and authors of the initiative, however, deny the claims Denham has expressed in his announcement.
“It’s either based on ignorance or it’s a lie,” said Mark Levine, a member of the Citizens for Responsible Growth.
Annette Giacomazzi, chairperson and spokesperson for the No on Measure G campaign, pointed out Denham has supported the defeat of the measure “since the issue first came out.”
“We also value what he has written in his own words,” Giacomazzi said.
