Prop 39 clears the way for community colleges

Last November a $148 million community college bond measure came within 900 votes of two-thirds approval. So far, two factors have kept a similar bond from reappearing. California voters defeated Proposition 26 - which would have lowered the minimum requirement to 50 percent - last March. And after two high school district bonds failed at the polls in 1998 and 1999, the San Mateo Union High School District finally placed a successful bond measure on Tuesday's ballot.

This Spring, voters will undoubtedly decide whether or not to approve a new bond which Johnson estimates will be around the same amount.

"That's one of the things we'll be working on," Johnson said. "We'll look at the needs and the streams of funding that the state provides."

The money raised by the bond measure would pay for the renovation of all three community colleges in the county - Cañada College in Redwood City, Skyline College in San Bruno and the College of San Mateo. Specifically, Johnson said he wants to ensure that the schools are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and renovate and remodel facilities for technology-based learning. The bond will also pay for new roofs and seismic upgrades.

"It's very necessary and will have to be done," he said.

There is, however, already established opposition. Jack Hickey, perennial candidate and chair of the county's Libertarian Party, is constructing a web site to keep track of the district's campaign methods.

"If any kid comes home with a flyer supporting the bond, boy, I want to nail them," Hickey said.

Hickey ran for a seat on the Community College board last November on a platform to defeat the bond measure. Although Hickey lost the race, as he has every race he has entered of late, he said the narrow defeat of the bond measure on the same ballot was a victory.

He has also suggested that the district pay for upgrades by selling surplus property and enlisting corporate sponsors.

"It's like Pepsi-Cola in grade schools," Hickey said. "I think the venture capitalists should get involved. I wouldn't be opposed to venture capitalists buying the school district and running it."

Although Johnson is interested in exploring alternatives such as naming a building after a donor, he said there has been little interest.

"Any corporation that wants to sponsor us, I'd be glad to do it. But not very many are stepping up."