A property tax measure that would have benefitted the Oakland Zoo won 62.7 percent of the vote, but that was shy of the two-thirds majority it needed to pass, according a final tally Tuesday night.
Measure A1 had proposed for a $12 per year tax on single family homes over the next 25 years to be used for humane care, veterinarians and educational programs.
Critics slammed the program, questioning the lack of government transparency by funding such an institution with public monies and fearing that the money could be used for expansion projects in Knowland Park, which environmentalists have opposed.
A1 supporters said the measure had "strict fiscal accountability, including independent financial audits, citizens oversight, and an Expenditure Plan to ensure funds are spent as promised."
thank heavens the extortioners lost
"The Friends of Knowland Park and No on Measure A1 argue the zoo could use the tax revenue as an "open checkbook" to support an expansion of zoo grounds, which the group has tried unsuccessfully to block in court for environmental reasons." Angela Woodall Oakland Tribune Jul 21 Knowland Park is concerned about an area on zoo grounds. They believe that the environmental repercussions would be devastating. After a 4 year battle, the Oakland City Council unanimously agreed to upgrade and expand the OZ which opened the door for the construction of the California Trail Project to begin. The results of measure A1 won't change that. It's also very clear that the money from A1 couldn't have been used for this expansion. The California Trail exhibit is about California's wildlife, not against it. The conservation efforts at OZ have already proven helpful for the California Condor, is helping increasing the population of the Western Pond Turtle (extinct in many areas), etc. The opportunities to help more local species is great with this expansion. As for the wildlife living there, I know they would make themselves at home like they currently do on the developed grounds. This is about preservation not destruction! Take example of the Arroyo Viejo creek restoration
"Jim Wunderman is President and CEO of the Bay Area Council, a business-backed public policy organization…. Sebastian DiGrande is a Partner and Managing Director at the Boston Consulting Group, a global management consulting firm and the world's leading advisor on business strategy…. Daniel Boggan, Jr…. assisted the municipal firm of Siebert, Branford & Shank Co. in business development from 2003 to 2006…. Cassady Hudson is a Senior Revenue and Royalty Analyst at Hands-on Mobile…. Mark McClure is a partner at California Capital and Investment Group, a real estate brokerage and development firm based in Oakland CA. He has worked on both residential and commercial development projects primarily in the City of Oakland…. Lora Tabor is the General Manager, Corporate & Services HR, for Chevron Corporation in San Ramon…."
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