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During our last meeting we discussed the ballots for our local elections here in Kern County. We wanted to give our members a voter guide. We want to give you the pros and cons of each measure including links for you to research.  Some measures didn't have any info online about them. If you have any info contact us. 

Measure E is a general obligation (GO) bond measure on the November 8, 2022, general election ballot. If approved by 55% of the votes cast, it will result in an extension of the current tax rate to authorize $160 million to make critical renovations and improve schools and classrooms throughout the Kern High School District. 

Kern Party Vote: No. This does have a tax increase. 

Pros: From what we see the pros would be including funds for vocational training in school (construction, auto mechanics, etc.). Also increase security and safety items in the schools. Another pro is that an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee must review and report on all bond expenditures, and a third-party auditor must audit all bond expenditures.

Cons: This measure is funded through a property tax increase. Best case scenario, $18.61  per $100,00 and worst case $30.00 per $100,000. Who is going to be appointed in this Citizens’ Oversight Committee.

Links:

Kern High school district Website

Couldn't find any info on this one. Nothing was listed on the Kern County website.

Couldn't find any info on this one. Nothing was listed on the Kern County website.

Per the school's site: Panama-Buena Vista Union School District (P-BVUSD) schools serve an essential community need. As the local provider of TK-8 public education, we believe all students deserve to learn in quality classrooms and school facilities. We have two key priorities: 1) to ensure academic success for every student attending our TK-8 schools; and 2) to make sure our school facilities and grounds are safe, secure, modern, and equipped to provide the best educational environment possible

Kern Party Vote: No. This does have a tax increase. 

Pros: .Schools will be upgraded and updated. An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee.

Cons: Tax increase is $30.00 per $100,000. The average home owners tax increase would go up on average $75.00. 

Links: 

Panama School District Website

We couldn't find anything on the web for this one. Seems like term limits for board of supervisors is what is at stake here. This is out thoughts

Kern Party Vote: YES. This does have a tax increase. 

Pros: .Term limits create a more dynamic political landscape for voter participation .

Cons: Potentially limits voter authority.

Measure K, which would increase the sales tax in unincorporated areas of the county by 1%. To maintain vital local services such as law enforcement, fire, medical emergency 911 response; crime prevention; recruiting/retaining firefighters/sheriff deputies; attracting industries/jobs; addressing mental health/addiction challenges; for general government use; shall the measure be adopted establishing a 1¢ sales tax in unincorporated Kern County, providing approximately $54,000,000 annually until ended by voters; requiring audits, oversight/public spending disclosures, and no money for the State?

Kern Party Vote: NO. Tax increase. 

Pros: .Tax increase could provide more tax dollars for more new hires within the Kern County Sherriff’s Office. Giving them more support to help people in unincorporated area

Cons:  Doesn't ensure funds will be spent in all unincorporated. 

Links: 

Kernville Sun

Kern County Website

Couldn't find any info on this one. Nothing was listed on the Kern County website.

Couldn't find any info on this one. Nothing was listed on the Kern County website.

Kern Party Vote: NO. Tax increase on cannabis sales. 

Pros: .Tax increase could provide more police officers. 

Cons:  Cannabis industry is already heavily taxed at 15%

Links: 

Article from Bakersfield Califorian 

“To provide funding, that cannot be taken by the State, for maintaining services, such as fire services/keeping both fire stations open full-time; 911 response times; replacing Pinney pool; emergency medical response; pothole/ street repair; recreation programs for all; other city services; shall the City of Ridgecrest measure be adopted levying a 1¢ sales tax, ending in 9 years, providing $5,900,000 annually, requiring all funds stay local, independent citizens' oversight/annual audits.”

Kern Party Vote: NO. Tax increase. 

Pros: .Provide funding that cannot be taken away by the state.

Cons:  There is a $.01 sales tax increase ending in 9 years. Will effect those of lesser means. 

Couldn't find any info on this one. Nothing was listed on the Kern County website.

The City of Tehachapi's Measure S was placed on the ballot after months of engagement with Tehachapi residents on their service priorities as years of state takeaways of local funds and increases at the county level for basic fire services have created a situation where the City is projecting a future budget deficit. Further cuts to basic services may be required without additional local funds.

Kern Party Vote: NO. Tax increase. 

Pros: .Money remains local. Protecting drinking water and other public services

Cons:  1% tax increase. Which effects low income. No sunset clause, meaning this will be in effect forever. 

Links: 

City of Tehachapi

Couldn't find any info on this one. Nothing was listed on the Kern County website.

Couldn't find any info on this one. Nothing was listed on the Kern County website.

Couldn't find any info on this one. Nothing was listed on the Kern County website.

Trying to restore more police service in the area. 

Kern Party Vote: NO. Tax increase 

Pros:  More police in the area could benefit residents.

Cons:  Tax increase.

Extending out a lease with Adventist Health for 6 years and requires that Adventist Health builds a pavilion. 

Kern Party Vote: YES. 

Pros: .No tax increase. Extends lease.

Cons:  Government contract