Calabasans should vote no on A

I am strongly opposed to the Calabasas Ballot Measure A. With the current financial crisis of the state of California, big cuts in state funding will mean sharp cutbacks in local services.

As a former councilmen and mayor of Calabasas, I worked hard over the years with many of the premier cities in Los Angeles County and the state of California. Any loss from state funding compounded by losing our Utility User Tax (UUT) could compromise our way of life.

Programs such as our school crossing guards, teen court, Safe Ride, our acclaimed Parks and Recreational Department, the Swim and Tennis Center and the Calabasas/Agoura Hills Recreational Center, to mention a few, would have to be severely curtailed. Our enhanced sheriff service and school support, as well as the commitment to the purchase of open space, would be threatened.

Our homes represent our largest investments and the market value of our real estate is directly tied to the manner in which our city is perceived and managed. As a real estate appraiser by profession, I can tell you that any erosion of city services could have a negative effect on values.

The UUT averages about $20 per month. I am not willing to jeopardize our way of life and I hope you will join me in voting No on Measure A.

Marvin Lopata

Calabasas