Piedmont LWV to Host Election Forum Oct. 11

From a League of Women Voters of Piedmont press release:

The League of Women Voters of Piedmont will host a General Election Forum on Thursday, Oct. 11 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the council chambers at Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Ave.

Moderated by Jan Zovickian, the Forum will present both “pro” and “con” positions concerning the following local ballot measures: A1 – Alameda County Oakland Zoo Parcel Tax; B1 – Alameda County Transportation Tax; and Y – City of Piedmont Parcel Tax. The community is cordially invited to attend and hear the measures evaluated, as well as submit questions to the scheduled speakers.

Dr. Joel J. Parrott, executive director of the Oakland Zoo, will discuss the need to vote for Measure A1, the Oakland Zoo Parcel Tax, and Laura Baker of the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society will speak against Measure A1 and the Zoo’s expansion plan.

Presenting the reasons to support Measure B1, the Alameda County Transportation Tax, will be Union City Mayor Mark Green, chair of the Alameda County Transportation Commission. Christopher J. Pareja, a small business owner and former congressional candidate in District 15, will outline reasons to vote against it.

Lastly, Bill Hosler and Steve Hollis, members of the Piedmont Budget Advisory & Financial Planning Committee, will review Measure Y, Piedmont’s parcel tax, and the need to pass it, followed by Michael Rancer, Chair of the 2011 Piedmont Municipal Tax Review Committee, and Tim Rood, also of the Budget Advisory & Financial Planning Committee, who will analyze the issues against supporting the measure. Additional time will be granted for audience questions on this last measure.

The League welcomes all to attend the Forum in person, or watch the live KCOM-TV broadcast on Channel 27 to learn more about the ballot measures before casting one’s vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Visit www.lwvpiedmont.org for more information.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. More information about the League of Women Voters of Piedmont may be found at www.lwvpiedmont.org.

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