Arguments Filed on School Bond Issue

Supporters of a $97-million Conejo Valley Unified School District bond and a local businesswoman who is against a tax increase filed arguments Friday that will be mailed to voters before the November election.

The pro-Measure Q statement argues that the bond will fund a wide scope of “critically needed” projects, including rewiring of schools for updated computer technology, upgrading heating and air-conditioning systems, restoring libraries and building more than 30 classrooms.

Robin Westmiller of Thousand Oaks, who co-owns Paper Depot and once ran for the school board, questioned why these repairs were not made before.

“They just got done fixing and painting my daughter’s school,” she said. “What next? In another 30 years they’ll be wanting more repairs.”

Westmiller also wrote in her ballot argument: “California’s $67 billion budget already contains appropriations for reduced class size and expanded classroom technology. Why go into debt $97 million when there’s adequate funding from the state and in our local school reserves to pay for these improvements?”

Gary Mortimer, assistant superintendent for business services, said, “It’s long been known that California has had trouble financing the needs of its public schools. The state is many billions of dollars behind in deferred maintenance and capital improvement needs. Plus, Gov. Wilson prefers that communities help themselves in funding local needs.”