One of the promises of the proponents of Measure L is to synchronize traffic signals. While the cost to set the signals is minuscule compared to the revenue that would be raised by the measure, failure to synchronize the signals now is the height of government irresponsibility. The cost is so low and the benefit so great […]
Measure L: A Tax Republicans Favor?
When Modesto Mayor Ted Brandvold ran for office in 2015, he opposed Measure X, which would have increased sales taxes to fund police services. Mayor Brandvold does support Measure L, a one half percent sales tax to fund transportation. A vast majority of the one billion dollars that will be raised over the twenty five […]
Measure L: Welcome Bay Area Commuters
Early on, Bruce Frohman realized Measure L was part of a much larger urban development strategy. He authored two arguments against Measure L in the 2016 Stanislaus County voter handbook. We’ve published the first argument here. Below is the rebuttal to arguments in favor of Measure L that will also appear in the 2016 voter […]
Frohman: “No on L”
The following is the argument against Measure L submitted to the Stanislaus County Registrar of Voters for the November 8, 2016 Voter Handbook. The measure is a half percent sales tax increase to fund transportation projects. Following the argument in the handbook is background information that could not be included in the handbook due to […]
Modesto’s 100 Day Budget Report
When Modesto Mayor Ted Brandvold took office earlier this year, he appointed a committee to review the City of Modesto’s budget. In 100 days, the committee was tasked with finding money to fund the police department and provide ideas for improving funding of various city departments. This week, a nine page booklet, “not paid for […]
Measure L: Developers Chasing Your Tax Dollars
Coming this fall to a ballot box in Stanislaus County is a rehash of two previously failed sales tax proposals. As in 2006 and 2008, the current proposal would increase the sales tax by a full half percent. The proposal includes allocations for projects that will supposedly benefit everyone: road repairs, increased road capacity, and […]
Will Mayor Brandvold Update Modesto’s General Plan?
Historically, the City of Modesto has updated its general plan about every 10 years. If the plan is revised again soon, what benefit will be derived from the $1.1 million cost to do it? Who wants the plan updated? During the Dick Lang era, the updated general plan lowered the cost of development for residential […]
Is Ted Brandvold the New Dick Lang?
In the 1990s, Dick Lang was the Mayor of Modesto. During his tenure, he made a number of unpopular decisions. In 1999, Mr. Lang was voted out of office because citizens were fed up with higher fees and declining city services. Early this year, Modesto Mayor Ted Brandvold won a runoff election. Since assuming office, […]
Denham vs Eggman: the Trump Factor
When the “Denham for Congress” signs pop up all over Modesto, it must be election time. Mr. Denham may not accomplish anything in Congress, but he’s great at placing signs in public right-of-ways. With Congress still garnering single digit public approval ratings, Mr. Denham is again facing opposition. Three opponents are listed on the June […]
Homeless: The Costly Logic of Busts and Sweeps
Whether by coincidence or design, homeless people in Modesto’s parks have been subjected to heightened harassment and arrests ever since the new mayor and councilmembers took office. Despite the costs and lack of observable benefits, sweeps and busts are occurring more often than ever. Years ago Modesto residents learned through bitter experience that the police […]