Big money is being spent to influence the outcome of Measure D on the November 8, 2016 Santa Cruz County ballot. Unlike political offices, campaigns for ballot measures have no limit to the amount of money that can be contributed. There is no restriction on the source of contributions, so special interests from outside Santa Cruz County can buy influence in our local ballot measures.

Since the previous transportation ballot Measure J went down to defeat in 2004 (57% opposed), the Santa Cruz County Business Council (SCCBC) has been diligently working to curry political favor and rally its usual suspects to promote development and urbanization. Its members includes Graniterock, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Santa Cruz Seaside Company, Devcon Construction, Inc., Barry Swenson Builder, Plantronics, Slatter Construction, and Wells Fargo.

The No on Measure D campaign in Santa Cruz County asks voters to consider the impact of big money in local politics. During the last week of the campaign season, The No on D group, Widening Won't Work, has organized two public demonstrations in front of two of the major corporate donors to Measure D, Granite Rock Construction Company and Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Granite Rock has contributed $10,000 to the Yes on D campaign, and PAMF has contributed $25,000.

Stanley Sokolow writes: Santa Cruz County residents should vote NO on D and tell the RTC to bring us a better measure in 2018 that doesn't waste money on futile Highway 1 construction but instead spends that money where it will truly improve the commute. It's painful to put the good things on hold for 2 more years, but wasting over $100 million plus bond interest over the next 30 years on false promises just shouldn't be accepted. The RTC can do better for us all. In Santa Cruz County, vote No on Measure D.

Read More: D is for Dilemma in Santa Cruz County | No on Measure 'D' demonstration at PAMF 11-4-16 | No on Measure D Group Demonstrates at Graniterock | No on Measure D in Santa Cruz County to hold two demonstrations highlighting large corporate contributions to Yes on D campaign | Big Money Funds Yes on Measure D Campaign in Santa Cruz County

Tuesday, November 1: Demonstration at Graniterock

Friday, November 4: Demonstration at PAMF Main - Highway Expansion Is Not Healthy