Not for Measure J

Editor,
I received a “Yes on Measure J” (Porterville School Districts $90 million dollar Bond on the November ballot) brochure in the mail the other day and was surprised to see my name as a supporter. I never gave my permission to be listed as a supporter of Measue J. Frankly, I do not support Measure J. I do not know anyone who supports Measure J.

I have called a few friends who appear on the promotional mailer and was told that they also do not support this massive new tax increase. Friends have said that they only agreed to put their name on this list (which I did not) because they were pressured to do so by their supervisor in the district. I have come to find out that many people we know that work for the schools were pressured into showing support for this measure.

I do not work for the school district. The same supervisory pressure does not apply to me so other methods were used to manipulate my name onto that list. I will say that I find it funny that many names in that brochure are duplicated to give the appearance of more support than they actually have.

As a small business owner, I will not support any tax increase from a district that provides free perks to its trustees at the expense of kids and teachers within the district. I don’t have the luxury of only volunteering 10 hours a month and voting myself free health care at taxpayer expense. Question, has even one administrative position in the district been reduce because of the tight budget? I know that the board members refuse to give up even one penny of their benefits. I guess it is just easier to try to raise taxes on home owners than live within your budget. It’s for the kids they say, sure it is.

PUSD, remove my name from support of Measure J. I do not support the tax increase and am offended that my name appears in your promotional literature.

Chris Edwards
Porterville