GUSD tax ended; It’s worth noting and pointing out the good works done with the bond
Dear Editor,
I wonder how many people read their 2011-2012 property tax bill and noticed that one tax is no longer listed. I’m speaking of the Gilroy Unified School District Lease-Debt tax of $70.50 per $100,000 assessed value. It has been around for a few decades, so it’s no wonder you might not have realized it. Imagine … a tax that actually vanished … poof!
Actually the good news is that the tax-financed building of Gilroy High School, which opened in 1978, has been paid off. Not very often do we as taxpayers see a tax levy completed.
The GUSD Board and administration missed a wonderful opportunity to report to the voters that their liability in this area is finished. And by the way, thank you for your support all these years. This tax has ended!
Obligations still exist on the latest voter-approved measures, but our school district facilities have benefitted and will continue to do so.
Surely new buildings at Christopher High School, Eliot, Las Animas and Del Buono, as well as numerous upgrades on other campuses, attest to that fact and are appreciated by the community.The voter and taxpayer should never be taken for granted. They have proven that if the need is carefully planned and presented in a common-sense manner, they will support the measure with a positive vote. Example: Gilroy’s new library opening in the spring of 2012.
Thanks again, residents of Gilroy!
Jim Rogers, Past President of Gilroy Unified School District Board Member, Gilroy
Thanks to the many who responded so generously to the devastating quake in Japan
Dear Editor,
One year ago on March 11, 2011, Japan was struck by one of the most powerful earthquakes in modern history. The earthquake and accompanying tsunami claimed thousands of lives and, coupled with the nuclear accident, presented one of the gravest challenges Japan has ever faced.
Yet in the darkest hour, Californians from communities large and small, global and local, offered us unbounded compassion, comfort, and hope. Please accept our deepest appreciation for every condolence, show of support, and demonstration of our common humanity.
Japan’s reconstruction has advanced greatly with your help and friendship, but there is still much to do in the days ahead. Our country is dedicated to working with you to share lessons from the earthquake, build disaster-resistant societies, ensure nuclear safety, and promote human security and economic stability.
We will continue to keep you updated on Japan’s recovery and development. Thank you once again for everything you have done for us.
Hiroshi Inomata, Consul General of Japan in San Francisco
