Vote yes on Measure H (Opinion piece in Daily Journal)

One sure way to clear a room is to start talking about a city's infrastructure. Flood control and seismic stability may interest engineers and others who understand pump stations and pipelines, but average folk find it mind numbing. Until it isn't there. With Measure H, the city of Burlingame is trying to keep flood water and roofs where they belong under the ground and above our heads. Measure H may seem complicated with its assessed home value funding formula and millions for pipes, catch basins, levees, pumps and pollution control. But its essence is very simple. The city's storm drainage system is aging and its buildings unsafe in an earthquake. Fixing that will take money. Measure H is a $44 million bond measure that will repair levees, storm drain pipes and creeks, increase pollution control, seismically retrofit the city's recreation center and city hall while making basic improvements to its police and fire stations. The city's wish list is longer and its total needs will cost $110 million. The $44 million bond is a modest step in the right direction. At one time, officials toyed with the idea with asking for a new teen center where the recreation center is currently located in Washington Park. Wisely, the City Council shelved that idea and decided to focus on the basics. The majority of the $44 million will go to flood control. The city has a complex system of underground creeks, levees and pumps that don't always work well in its flat lands when the tide is high and the rain is heavy. Improving drainage will keep the city dry and eliminate headaches for both property owners and city officials. The measure needs two-thirds of the electorate to pass and will cost $31.97 per $100,000 of each home's assessed value every year for 30 years. It might seem like a hefty amount, but the alternative might be too costly. Avoiding flood control and seismic stability for the city's key public buildings is no place to cut corners. Let's help the city prevent a disaster.

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To help us decide whether to vote for Measure H, The Citizens for a Better Burlingame will be hosting a "First Wednesday, Coffee and Conversation" at Il Piccolo on Wednesday October 4th from 6:30-8:00 pm. The Measure H discussion will be led by George Bagdon, Burlingame's Public Works Director. Come join in the conversation, ask questions and exchange opinions over a strong cup of java or a glass of wine.

Promise it won't be "mind numbing"!

– Written by Fiona