As election day approaches, it is always interesting to see who supports a candidate, proposition, or ballot measure. Often, we don't know the candidates or the ballot measures well. Perhaps the campaigning and conflicting advertising causes confusion. Thus, it is good to know whether people you know and respect are supporting or opposing a ballot measure or particular candidate. It's an extra level of assurance that you are making the right choice.
With that in mind, I invite you to compare who supports Measure Z and who opposes it. I'll start with the opposition. The list is short. On the official No on Z campaign website, five people are listed. http://noonmeasurez.com/official-ballot-argument/
Another very interesting place to find supporters of a particular cause is on the Fresno County Elections website. The No on Z Campaign Disclosure Statement for October 1 - 18, 2014 lists persons who have contributed to the campaign, and the amounts. http://www2.co.fresno.ca.us/2850/CampaignDocs/CFD_Web_Images/2014/546/00354620141021F12.pdf
It is interesting to note that the Disclosure shows $48,076.24 in contributions. Of that, one donor has loaned the campaign $47,949.44. I did the math on this and according to my calculator, one donor has financed 99.7% of the No on Z campaign.
Compare the paltry community support for the No on Z campaign with the community support in favor of Measure Z. A partial list of endorsements is listed on the Keep Our Zoo, Yes on Measure Z campaign website. http://keepourzoo.org/our-endorsements/ You can see all of the many people and organizations who have financially contributed to the Yes on Measure Z campaign on the Fresno County Elections website. http://www2.co.fresno.ca.us/2850/CampaignDocs/listimages.asp?orgid=3501¤tpage=1&txtName=yes+on+measure+z&chkPartial=on&searchtype=1&yearid=All&ballot_id=All&district_id=All&jurisdiction_id=All&electtype_id=All&election_id=All&form_id=All&startdate=&enddate=&firstenter=0&nextbutton=0&backpage=searchresult.asp&checkforyearrange=0&yearrange=
But that's not all. The Fresno Bee says Measure Z should be a "slam dunk yes for voters. http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/07/11/4021121/vote-yes-on-measure-z.html In its October 17, 2014 edition, the Fresno Business Journal urged voters to "invest in Fresno" by voting yes on Measure Z. http://www.pageturnpro.com/The-Business-Journal/61553-101714tbjnewfilegenxersboomers/index.html#/26
Educators support Measure Z. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFpSBP99it8 The zoo has been a great resource for our K-12 schools as well as for higher education such as Fresno State. http://collegian.csufresno.edu/2014/10/12/measure-z-campaigns-debate-need-for-zoo-tax/
Consider the many people of very diverse interests who support the continuation of Measure Z. Be part of this great Fresno County community of supporters! Be a proud supporter of Measure Z. The zoo will be a treasure for us and for our families for many years to come! Vote yes on Z!
I support Measure Z. It will continue to have a substantial impact on our community! This blog describes why Measure Z should be renewed.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Twisting the Facts ... Again
I read the Editorial in yesterday's Fresno Bee from PAATZ. She claims, among other things, that she is voting no on Measure Z because the Omaha zoo is spending $2.5 million per acre on its Africa exhibit, which is much less than Fresno's cost per acre. Really PAATZ? Valuing the project by one factor -- the cost per acre? It reminds me when you valued Sea Lion Cove by the gallons of water in the pool. And look at that exhibit -- the nation's best!
This is just another example of how PAATZ twists the facts.
PAATZ fails to inform the reader that the Omaha zoo Africa exhibit will cost $70 million to construct. http://journalstar.com/news/local/omaha-zoo-plans-to-build-million-african-grasslands/article_54d04203-d449-5cf7-bf18-6276c87d6683.html Fresno's Africa Adventure will cost $56 million. That's a comparative bargain!
Let's also factor into the equation the cost of construction in California compared to Nebraska. Perhaps a line from the Wizard of Oz (with modification) is appropriate: "You're not in Nebraska anymore."
Moreover, we can't forget that we pay prevailing wages for those working on the Chaffee zoo exhibits. Prevailing wages add significantly to the cost of a project. But the trade off is that the construction at Fresno's Chaffee Zoo results in well-paying jobs to those in our local community.
And by the way, while Omaha is a great zoo, our Africa Adventure exhibit will be much better! Take a look at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhnj1_KgpwY
This is just another example of how PAATZ twists the facts.
PAATZ fails to inform the reader that the Omaha zoo Africa exhibit will cost $70 million to construct. http://journalstar.com/news/local/omaha-zoo-plans-to-build-million-african-grasslands/article_54d04203-d449-5cf7-bf18-6276c87d6683.html Fresno's Africa Adventure will cost $56 million. That's a comparative bargain!
Let's also factor into the equation the cost of construction in California compared to Nebraska. Perhaps a line from the Wizard of Oz (with modification) is appropriate: "You're not in Nebraska anymore."
Moreover, we can't forget that we pay prevailing wages for those working on the Chaffee zoo exhibits. Prevailing wages add significantly to the cost of a project. But the trade off is that the construction at Fresno's Chaffee Zoo results in well-paying jobs to those in our local community.
And by the way, while Omaha is a great zoo, our Africa Adventure exhibit will be much better! Take a look at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhnj1_KgpwY
Saturday, October 25, 2014
What Is PAATZ's True Motivation?
Honesty is not PAATZ's dominant character trait. I was reminded of that when I received a second anti-zoo flier in the mail.
In case you have not heard, PAATZ is the name I gave to the Person Against All Things Zoo. It is pronounced "Patsy."
PAATZ is a one-woman crusade to prevent Fresno County from retaining the one penny on $10 sales tax that is making Fresno Chaffee Zoo one of the world's great zoos. The question is why would you oppose such a successful operation?
From the fliers she has spent to mail out, PAATZ suggests that the tax is unnecessary because the zoo is self-sustaining. Sure, the zoo can make it without Measure Z, but it will require big changes. Admission will increase substantially and construction of new or improved exhibits will stop. Yes, the zoo currently has several millions of dollars available but it is earmarked for the Africa exhibit. (So yes, PAATZ's claim that the zoo is sitting on millions of dollars is another one of her half-truths.)
But if PAATZ was only concerned about the tax, why has she opposed the zoo's renovation and expansion for the past 10 years? Why did she oppose Sea Lion Cove? Why did she oppose the number of gallons of water in the cove? Why did she oppose the Master Plan? Why did she oppose the underground utilities necessary to provide the exhibits? Why did she oppose the zoo's expansion after Measure Z was in place? I could go on and on.
If the retention of an insignificant tax is PAATZ's real concern, why has she opposed everything the zoo has done for the past decade? The real answer must be something other than the tax.
It is time for PAATZ to come clean. What is your real beef? Your actions speak louder than your words. Based on a decade of opposition, it is clear the continuation of a paltry tax is not the real reason you oppose all things zoo. (No, that you may give the zoo $500 and then force the zoo to spend thousands of dollars to defend itself against your spurious claims does not make you a zoo supporter!)
That's my request. Come clean. Tell us the real reason you fight everything about the zoo. It's time you try a dose of honesty.
In case you have not heard, PAATZ is the name I gave to the Person Against All Things Zoo. It is pronounced "Patsy."
PAATZ is a one-woman crusade to prevent Fresno County from retaining the one penny on $10 sales tax that is making Fresno Chaffee Zoo one of the world's great zoos. The question is why would you oppose such a successful operation?
From the fliers she has spent to mail out, PAATZ suggests that the tax is unnecessary because the zoo is self-sustaining. Sure, the zoo can make it without Measure Z, but it will require big changes. Admission will increase substantially and construction of new or improved exhibits will stop. Yes, the zoo currently has several millions of dollars available but it is earmarked for the Africa exhibit. (So yes, PAATZ's claim that the zoo is sitting on millions of dollars is another one of her half-truths.)
But if PAATZ was only concerned about the tax, why has she opposed the zoo's renovation and expansion for the past 10 years? Why did she oppose Sea Lion Cove? Why did she oppose the number of gallons of water in the cove? Why did she oppose the Master Plan? Why did she oppose the underground utilities necessary to provide the exhibits? Why did she oppose the zoo's expansion after Measure Z was in place? I could go on and on.
If the retention of an insignificant tax is PAATZ's real concern, why has she opposed everything the zoo has done for the past decade? The real answer must be something other than the tax.
It is time for PAATZ to come clean. What is your real beef? Your actions speak louder than your words. Based on a decade of opposition, it is clear the continuation of a paltry tax is not the real reason you oppose all things zoo. (No, that you may give the zoo $500 and then force the zoo to spend thousands of dollars to defend itself against your spurious claims does not make you a zoo supporter!)
That's my request. Come clean. Tell us the real reason you fight everything about the zoo. It's time you try a dose of honesty.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Do You Want To See The Records? They Are Online
One of the allegations asserted by PAATZ, Person Against All Things Zoo, (pronounced Patsy), is that ZooCorp does not provide adequate records of expenditures of Measure Z funds. PAATZ just doesn't get it. (Nor can she read financial documents anyway as evidenced by the non-sensical comments she makes at Fresno Zoo Tax Authority meetings.)
ZooCorp provides thousands of documents to the Tax Authority in order to receive payment. If you would like to see these documents, I invite you to review this website. http://www.zooauthority.org/Documents.asp This is the website maintained by the Tax Authority showing all of the documents related to Measure Z. It includes Measure Z language, contracts between the Tax Authority and ZooCorp and copies of all requests for distribution of funds.
Take a look at the particular requests. This one http://www.zooauthority.org/docs/Budget/ZooCorpCapitalProjectClaim2014-9CtoMembers9.2.14.pdf
contains 95 pages of information. It shows the work performed. It shows the amount of money budgeted to projects, and the amount of money left for projects. It includes a detailed billing report and certification by the contractor of the work performed. It is nauseatingly detailed and complete.
My law partner tells me, "The devil is in the details." Of course, that is his way of encouraging us to be detailed and thorough. ZooCorp and the Tax Authority have taken this to heart. The prepare and review very detailed reports. And look at the results. An award-winning zoo!
ZooCorp provides thousands of documents to the Tax Authority in order to receive payment. If you would like to see these documents, I invite you to review this website. http://www.zooauthority.org/Documents.asp This is the website maintained by the Tax Authority showing all of the documents related to Measure Z. It includes Measure Z language, contracts between the Tax Authority and ZooCorp and copies of all requests for distribution of funds.
Take a look at the particular requests. This one http://www.zooauthority.org/docs/Budget/ZooCorpCapitalProjectClaim2014-9CtoMembers9.2.14.pdf
contains 95 pages of information. It shows the work performed. It shows the amount of money budgeted to projects, and the amount of money left for projects. It includes a detailed billing report and certification by the contractor of the work performed. It is nauseatingly detailed and complete.
My law partner tells me, "The devil is in the details." Of course, that is his way of encouraging us to be detailed and thorough. ZooCorp and the Tax Authority have taken this to heart. The prepare and review very detailed reports. And look at the results. An award-winning zoo!
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The Payroll Is Out Of Control ... Not
I continue to marvel at the one person who is funding No on Z and who is the "primary adversary of all things zoo." She is upset that the wages paid to every employee who works for the zoo is not provided to her for her review. Frankly, I'm glad the zoo doesn't publish everyone's salary. Give them some privacy! They don't work for the government. And just because the government funds some of the operations does not mean employees waive their privacy rights. We don't require that of other organizations receiving public dollars.
You might think that a person who makes such a demand is an HR professional who is familiar with salaries paid to workers in the industry. No. She is not.
Then why does she need that information? She claims it is because we have a "City of Bell" problem with the zoo. What is the basis for that claim? The only thing she has ever said is that payroll has doubled since the zoo started its expansion and renovation.
What happened in Bell? City officials boosted their personal salaries without council approval. Those salaries ranged from bout $400,000 to about $800,000. Even city council members were receiving about $100,000 per year for part-time work according to the LA Times.
So is the "primary adversary of all things zoo" claiming that salaries of zoo personnel are in the same range? Is she suggesting that someone (or somebodies) at the zoo are paying themselves half a million dollars? That's exactly what she is saying. It wouldn't be so bad if she had an ounce of proof. She doesn't.
So why have zoo personnel costs increased? There are a few very good reasons. First, the zoo employs more workers than in 2004. In fact, during the accreditation process, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recommended that the zoo increase the number of staff. Second, salaries that attract and retain good employees are being paid. The zoo has a great HR Director who understands salaries and compensation issues. As a result, the zoo has set salaries that are consistent with those in the industry.
And this is all done without anyone at the zoo earning anywhere near $400,000. And how can you be sure? There are several reasons. First, the zoo is audited by an independent CPA firm. So is the Fresno Zoo Tax Authority. Moreover, The zoo, which is actually "Fresno's Chaffee Zoo Corporation" files a tax return each year. Because "ZooCorp" (as I call it) is a non-profit public benefit corporation its tax returns are public. They can be found on a few websites. One website that I use is www.guidestar.org.
If you bother to look, you will see that there are only two ZooCorp employees who earn over $100,000. And it's not much more than that. Everyone else is below that $100,000 threshold. Board members, who work many hours, and who also provide generous donations, don't receive a dime.
Too bad the "primary adversary of all things zoo" didn't bother to look at the tax returns before making a claim that we have "City of Bell" problem with ZooCorp salaries. It's not that the person was not informed. That information was discussed at a public meeting where I was present.
I guess it's just easier for some people to say whatever they want in order to achieve their goals. I think we already identified that as Machiavellian. (See my post of October 13, 2014.)
You might think that a person who makes such a demand is an HR professional who is familiar with salaries paid to workers in the industry. No. She is not.
Then why does she need that information? She claims it is because we have a "City of Bell" problem with the zoo. What is the basis for that claim? The only thing she has ever said is that payroll has doubled since the zoo started its expansion and renovation.
What happened in Bell? City officials boosted their personal salaries without council approval. Those salaries ranged from bout $400,000 to about $800,000. Even city council members were receiving about $100,000 per year for part-time work according to the LA Times.
So is the "primary adversary of all things zoo" claiming that salaries of zoo personnel are in the same range? Is she suggesting that someone (or somebodies) at the zoo are paying themselves half a million dollars? That's exactly what she is saying. It wouldn't be so bad if she had an ounce of proof. She doesn't.
So why have zoo personnel costs increased? There are a few very good reasons. First, the zoo employs more workers than in 2004. In fact, during the accreditation process, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recommended that the zoo increase the number of staff. Second, salaries that attract and retain good employees are being paid. The zoo has a great HR Director who understands salaries and compensation issues. As a result, the zoo has set salaries that are consistent with those in the industry.
And this is all done without anyone at the zoo earning anywhere near $400,000. And how can you be sure? There are several reasons. First, the zoo is audited by an independent CPA firm. So is the Fresno Zoo Tax Authority. Moreover, The zoo, which is actually "Fresno's Chaffee Zoo Corporation" files a tax return each year. Because "ZooCorp" (as I call it) is a non-profit public benefit corporation its tax returns are public. They can be found on a few websites. One website that I use is www.guidestar.org.
If you bother to look, you will see that there are only two ZooCorp employees who earn over $100,000. And it's not much more than that. Everyone else is below that $100,000 threshold. Board members, who work many hours, and who also provide generous donations, don't receive a dime.
Too bad the "primary adversary of all things zoo" didn't bother to look at the tax returns before making a claim that we have "City of Bell" problem with ZooCorp salaries. It's not that the person was not informed. That information was discussed at a public meeting where I was present.
I guess it's just easier for some people to say whatever they want in order to achieve their goals. I think we already identified that as Machiavellian. (See my post of October 13, 2014.)
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
The Word of the Day is Mythomane
I love dictionary.com. Each day I am supplied with a new "word of the day." Today's word is mythomane. It is a person with a strong or irresistible propensity for fantasizing, lying, or exaggerating.
Perhaps some of you received the "No on Z" mailer a couple of weeks ago. I saved it because it contained so many lies. Let me tell you one false of the false statements found on that mailer. (If you are interested in seeing for yourself, the same is found on the No campaign website.)
According to the mythomane who wrote the flyer, "The Sea Lion Cove was budgeted at $5 million; it actually cost $10.5 million."
Sorry, that just isn't correct, accurate or complete. And for someone who has been opposing ANY expansion at the zoo since the inception of Measure Z, this mythomane should have a prick of consciousness for writing that!
Here are the facts: The concept of a sea lion exhibit was discussed for some time. The old exhibit was ancient and not a great place for the sea lions. Costs were considered. Without budgeting, without even a plan, design, or schematic someone thought a sea lion exhibit would cost $5 million.
Once everyone agreed on a new sea lion exhibit, money was allocated to develop a plan. The architects created what we now know as Sea Lion Cove. Only after
the design was complete could the costs be budgeted. The budget was set at $10.5 million. The budget was NEVER $5 million. Only after the plan was created could costs be identified.
Fresno's Chaffee Zoo Corporation ("ZooCorp"), who operates the zoo, went to the Fresno Zoo Tax Authority with a plan and a budget of $10.5 million. The Tax Authority reviewed and approved the plans and costs.
Construction commenced. The project was completed early and for $70,000 less than budgeted.
Sea Lion Cove is also largely responsible for increasing zoo attendance by 28 percent.
And don't forget, Sea Lion Cove won the Top Honor Exhibit Award in 2014 from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. (See some great photos on the website of Matt Construction, the general contractor, here: http://www.mattconstruction.com/news/sea-lion-cove-project-wins-top-honor-exhibit-award-at-national-aza-conferen
Sea Lion Cove is exactly the type of project we want to see repeated over and over in Fresno. On time, under budget, and recognized by the entire country as the best exhibit for 2014. So much for the exaggerations and lies perpetuated by our community mythomane!
Perhaps some of you received the "No on Z" mailer a couple of weeks ago. I saved it because it contained so many lies. Let me tell you one false of the false statements found on that mailer. (If you are interested in seeing for yourself, the same is found on the No campaign website.)
According to the mythomane who wrote the flyer, "The Sea Lion Cove was budgeted at $5 million; it actually cost $10.5 million."
Sorry, that just isn't correct, accurate or complete. And for someone who has been opposing ANY expansion at the zoo since the inception of Measure Z, this mythomane should have a prick of consciousness for writing that!
Here are the facts: The concept of a sea lion exhibit was discussed for some time. The old exhibit was ancient and not a great place for the sea lions. Costs were considered. Without budgeting, without even a plan, design, or schematic someone thought a sea lion exhibit would cost $5 million.
Once everyone agreed on a new sea lion exhibit, money was allocated to develop a plan. The architects created what we now know as Sea Lion Cove. Only after
the design was complete could the costs be budgeted. The budget was set at $10.5 million. The budget was NEVER $5 million. Only after the plan was created could costs be identified.
Fresno's Chaffee Zoo Corporation ("ZooCorp"), who operates the zoo, went to the Fresno Zoo Tax Authority with a plan and a budget of $10.5 million. The Tax Authority reviewed and approved the plans and costs.
Construction commenced. The project was completed early and for $70,000 less than budgeted.
Sea Lion Cove is also largely responsible for increasing zoo attendance by 28 percent.
And don't forget, Sea Lion Cove won the Top Honor Exhibit Award in 2014 from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. (See some great photos on the website of Matt Construction, the general contractor, here: http://www.mattconstruction.com/news/sea-lion-cove-project-wins-top-honor-exhibit-award-at-national-aza-conferen
Sea Lion Cove is exactly the type of project we want to see repeated over and over in Fresno. On time, under budget, and recognized by the entire country as the best exhibit for 2014. So much for the exaggerations and lies perpetuated by our community mythomane!
Monday, October 13, 2014
One of the Lies of the No Campaign
I was interested in reading the No on Measure Z web page. It contained many misrepresentations. But then, I'm not surprised. It is not the first time one of its members has made misstatements in a public setting. Perhaps No on Z has concluded that the ends justify the means. Rather Machiavellian isn't it? Machiavelli wrote, "Politics have no relation to morals." So I guess No on Z has "historical" support for its techniques.
Here's the lie of the day: "The Zoo plans to spend $350,000 of Zoo money for the consultant for the Measure Z renewal campaign rather than raising money from individual contributors." (
Here's the fact: The zoo, better known as Fresno's Chaffee Zoo Corporation, or ZooCorp as I call it, has not spent one penny on Measure Z renewal. Nor does it intend to spend any money on the Measure Z campaign.
The rest of the story: Early in its budgeting process ZooCorp thought it was an appropriate expenditure to spend some of its money for Measure Z renewal. The zoo has been such a wonderful success, why wouldn't ZooCorp want to continue Measure Z?
After adding money into its budget, ZooCorp discovered that it cannot use its funds for a political purpose. ZooCorp follows the law and has not spend its money for Measure Z renewal. Scott Barton, the CEO of the zoo, provided this explanation at a Fresno Zoo Tax Authority meeting, where the No campaign was present.
Fortunately, there are many in our community who recognize the benefit of Measure Z and have given generously. They are getting the message out that Measure Z is a great success not only for the zoo, but for our community.
Who is funding the No campaign? So far, just one person. Yep, the same one perpetuating the misrepresentations. What does that tell you? For some, Machiavelli was correct.
Here's the lie of the day: "The Zoo plans to spend $350,000 of Zoo money for the consultant for the Measure Z renewal campaign rather than raising money from individual contributors." (
Here's the fact: The zoo, better known as Fresno's Chaffee Zoo Corporation, or ZooCorp as I call it, has not spent one penny on Measure Z renewal. Nor does it intend to spend any money on the Measure Z campaign.
The rest of the story: Early in its budgeting process ZooCorp thought it was an appropriate expenditure to spend some of its money for Measure Z renewal. The zoo has been such a wonderful success, why wouldn't ZooCorp want to continue Measure Z?
After adding money into its budget, ZooCorp discovered that it cannot use its funds for a political purpose. ZooCorp follows the law and has not spend its money for Measure Z renewal. Scott Barton, the CEO of the zoo, provided this explanation at a Fresno Zoo Tax Authority meeting, where the No campaign was present.
Fortunately, there are many in our community who recognize the benefit of Measure Z and have given generously. They are getting the message out that Measure Z is a great success not only for the zoo, but for our community.
Who is funding the No campaign? So far, just one person. Yep, the same one perpetuating the misrepresentations. What does that tell you? For some, Machiavelli was correct.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Pay Attention to the Details
"She was mesmerized," wrote my daughter about her 7 month old at Sea Lion Cove. This is common experience among zoo patrons, whether infants, teens or adults. Sea Lion Cove is a magnificent exhibit. But it took $9 million to construct that exhibit. What a great example of "If you are going to do it, do it right!"
Have you noticed the details at Sea Lion Cove? Start at the entrance. You walk on gravel, not dissimilar to the sand you walk on at the beach. The vegetation also matches what you might see on the coast. Shut your eyes and listen.
What do you hear? A sound system plays the sounds of the waves crashing on the land. As you walk around the exhibit toward the tall Sequoia trees, listen to the sounds change to match the forest environment.
There are at least 4 vantage points around Sea Lion Cove. Have you noticed that when you are at one of them you don't see the people at the other vantage points? This is a very deliberate design feature. The architect wanted you to feel like you were alone in nature. It makes a difference when you are looking out over the blue water whether you see other patrons looking at you or whether you see nothing but the animals and their environment.
On the backside of the exhibit you will visit a spot where you can be nose to nose with with the sea lions and seals. Did you know that the rocks on the animals' side of the window is heated? This is to encourage the animals to bask on the rock on cooler days next to you.
Did you notice the rocks and the sea life on those rocks? Artists from Disney spent months forming, shaping, sculpting and painting those rocks.
And of course There is a 35-foot window, 8 inches think and without a seam, that provides a wonderful underwater view, complete with seaweed.
Behind the scenes are the water filters and solar panels generating green power.
Sea Lion Cove is a marvelous exhibit. It takes the patron to California's wild central coast without the drive. Yes, it took a lot of money. But isn't it worth it . It's mesmerizing.
Friday, October 10, 2014
How Your 2 Cents Add Up
Measure Z is a tax of one-tenth of one percent on the purchase of goods. So if you go to a restaurant and spend $20 on lunch for you and a companion, you will be spending an extra 2 cents for the zoo. Not much of a tax is it?
Assume you eat out every day for lunch. After a week, your Measure Z tax is a whopping 10 cents. Wow!
It's not material is it? Not to you, but it is to the zoo. (I'll explain later.)
You have a few people who say, "I won't vote for a tax for anything." I guess that's a "principled" position to take. But I'm not sure it's the best principle to hold.
If you pay too much in taxes, focus your efforts on the wasted tax dollars, or on inefficient tax dollars. Encourage elected officials to make cuts that are meaningful.
Don't waste your time on defeating a 2 cent tax on your $20 lunch. You are just spiting yourself.
Those 2 cents make a big difference in our community. The cents add up to dollars and over a period of 10 years, we can generate millions of dollars for the zoo. Those dollars create exhibits such as Sea Lion Cove. https://www.fresnochaffeezoo.org/whats-new.html Just last month, Sea Lion Cove won the nation's top award for new zoo exhibits, beating out the San Diego Zoo, the Smithsonian and Sea World. http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/09/17/4128728/fresno-zoos-sea-lion-cove-gets.html
Sea Lion Cove isn't the only new exhibit. Look at the River Otters, the King Cobra, the Komodo Dragon, Dino-Dig and others.
Fresno is creating a world-class zoo. But it needs continued support. The end of Measure Z will signal the end of expansion and development. It will signal higher entry fees. It will stop us from creating one of the best zoos in the nation, right here in our backyard.
Isn't it worth an extra 2 cents? YES. That's my 2 cents.
Assume you eat out every day for lunch. After a week, your Measure Z tax is a whopping 10 cents. Wow!
It's not material is it? Not to you, but it is to the zoo. (I'll explain later.)
You have a few people who say, "I won't vote for a tax for anything." I guess that's a "principled" position to take. But I'm not sure it's the best principle to hold.
If you pay too much in taxes, focus your efforts on the wasted tax dollars, or on inefficient tax dollars. Encourage elected officials to make cuts that are meaningful.
Don't waste your time on defeating a 2 cent tax on your $20 lunch. You are just spiting yourself.
Those 2 cents make a big difference in our community. The cents add up to dollars and over a period of 10 years, we can generate millions of dollars for the zoo. Those dollars create exhibits such as Sea Lion Cove. https://www.fresnochaffeezoo.org/whats-new.html Just last month, Sea Lion Cove won the nation's top award for new zoo exhibits, beating out the San Diego Zoo, the Smithsonian and Sea World. http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/09/17/4128728/fresno-zoos-sea-lion-cove-gets.html
Sea Lion Cove isn't the only new exhibit. Look at the River Otters, the King Cobra, the Komodo Dragon, Dino-Dig and others.
Fresno is creating a world-class zoo. But it needs continued support. The end of Measure Z will signal the end of expansion and development. It will signal higher entry fees. It will stop us from creating one of the best zoos in the nation, right here in our backyard.
Isn't it worth an extra 2 cents? YES. That's my 2 cents.
Measure Z Has Been Great For Fresno!
Ten years ago voters in Fresno County overwhelming approved Measure Z, a sales tax of one-tenth of one percent. We write this as .1%. That's small!
Measure Z has resulted in more than $100 million. That money has been used to improve and develop a zoo which, prior to Measure Z, was in dire circumstances. With Measure Z, Chaffee Zoo is turning into one of the nation's better zoos. In fact, I have heard comparisons to Monterey Bay Aquarium. Chaffee Zoo won't ever be as large as the San Diego or Columbus zoos. But Chaffee Zoo will give you the experience with the animals that the Monterey Bay Aquarium provides with sea life.
So who wouldn't want that type of facility in our community? I know of a vocal few. What are their problems? Two brothers don't want to see anything impede on the original Roeding Park trees, although they don't live in Fresno, nor do they visit Roeding Park. One is upset the dog park will be relocated from the eastern side of Roeding Park to the western side. And one appears to hate any growth at Chaffee Zoo, and has made false accusations against many good people in her quixotic quest to stall all things zoo.
What's the truth? The trees will be better cared for in the zoo's footprint than in other parts of Roeding Park. The dog park will not be removed, just relocated. And there have been many very good people who have helped make the Fresno Chaffee Zoo a reality. There are more animals at the zoo. They are better cared-for by competent and caring staff. Exhibits are not just new and exciting. They are award winning exhibits. Families are flocking to the zoo. We are having fun! Tourists are staying an extra day in Fresno, spending their money at our zoo. +
From now until the election, I will be posting information about Chaffee Zoo, Measure Z, the benefits of the expansion and what will happen if we renew Measure Z for another 10 years. I will debunk the misrepresentations made by the vocal few and offer you many reasons to vote YES on Measure Z.
Doug Larsen
Measure Z has resulted in more than $100 million. That money has been used to improve and develop a zoo which, prior to Measure Z, was in dire circumstances. With Measure Z, Chaffee Zoo is turning into one of the nation's better zoos. In fact, I have heard comparisons to Monterey Bay Aquarium. Chaffee Zoo won't ever be as large as the San Diego or Columbus zoos. But Chaffee Zoo will give you the experience with the animals that the Monterey Bay Aquarium provides with sea life.
So who wouldn't want that type of facility in our community? I know of a vocal few. What are their problems? Two brothers don't want to see anything impede on the original Roeding Park trees, although they don't live in Fresno, nor do they visit Roeding Park. One is upset the dog park will be relocated from the eastern side of Roeding Park to the western side. And one appears to hate any growth at Chaffee Zoo, and has made false accusations against many good people in her quixotic quest to stall all things zoo.
What's the truth? The trees will be better cared for in the zoo's footprint than in other parts of Roeding Park. The dog park will not be removed, just relocated. And there have been many very good people who have helped make the Fresno Chaffee Zoo a reality. There are more animals at the zoo. They are better cared-for by competent and caring staff. Exhibits are not just new and exciting. They are award winning exhibits. Families are flocking to the zoo. We are having fun! Tourists are staying an extra day in Fresno, spending their money at our zoo. +
From now until the election, I will be posting information about Chaffee Zoo, Measure Z, the benefits of the expansion and what will happen if we renew Measure Z for another 10 years. I will debunk the misrepresentations made by the vocal few and offer you many reasons to vote YES on Measure Z.
Doug Larsen
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