Vote yes on Measure A to support parks, agriculture

I'm lucky to have lived in Marin County for more than 50 years. I've fought all those years to assure that parks, open spaces and the lovely rolling hills of West Marin are preserved, expanded, maintained and used productively.

Hats off to Marin voters who gave the green light to a one-quarter of one percent special sales tax 10 years ago. The revenue it generated has protected and enhanced our city and county parks, helped preserve irreplaceable open spaces and supported our local agricultural community.

Now we are being asked to extend Measure A, a small sales tax, for another 10 years. This seems like a no-brainer to me. Why wouldn't we want support of our city and county parks, open spaces and our local farmers, as well as ranchers, who provide healthy local food and dairy to continue so that future generations will benefit?

I believe the narrative around wealthy ranchers and farmers is false. The ranchers and farmers I've met are not in it for the money. Many of them have second jobs to make ends meet. They hang in there because they love the land and producing food for the community.

Avoiding large-scale development in West Marin is a win-win deal for all of us. Let's continue our wonderful way of life where conservation and agriculture coexist. Please vote yes on the extension of Measure A.