San Mateo County seeks to trick voters

In recent years, San Mateo County violated Article 34 of the California Constitution. It engaged in secretive, rushed processes for its hotel-conversions for the unhoused, depriving voters in Redwood City, San Mateo and Half Moon Bay of their Article 34 right to vote on public housing. When the county tried to convert La Quinta hotel in Millbrae without a vote, Millbrae fought back with an Article 34 lawsuit.

Thus, county sups are contemplating a “generic Article 34” vote for future housing projects. They want voters to give upfront, advance approval for all county housing projects that might require Article 34 votes, consequently taking away voters’ right to vote on specific projects later on.

Specific projects include the most controversial ones, such as hotel-conversions for the unhoused. These projects are controversial due to site locations (e.g., locations near schools), illegal drug use by residents, lack of treatment for the mentally ill, increased 911 calls, and lost property taxes or other unreimbursed costs to be borne by cities.

Local citizens deserve a role in addressing housing for those experiencing homelessness. Article 34 gives us that role. Don’t fall for any deceptively worded “affordable housing” measure coming from San Mateo County. It’s a trick to take away our voting rights.

Laura and Ken Smith

Millbrae