The Editorial Board of Fresno State’s student-run newspaper, The Collegian, opposes Measure E, the quarter-cent sales tax on the March 5 ballot that would raise $1.5 billion over 25 years to benefit the university.

The opinion appeared online Wednesday under the headline “Collegian editorial board: Why you should vote no on Measure E.” 

“We oppose the measure because it only applies to Fresno County residents, even those with no affiliation to Fresno State. Nearly (one-fifth) of Fresno County residents are living below the federal poverty level, according to Cal Matters,” the editorial states.

“While it‘s true that Fresno State (has) $350 million in deferred maintenance . . . it shouldn’t come at the expense of Fresno County residents.

“Fresno County is already one of the most impoverished counties in California. A regressive tax would only make county residents fall into a deeper hole when taxpayer dollars could be funding other projects.”

Measure E Lacks Transparency: Editorial Board

The Editorial Board also cited a lack of transparency in deciding which projects would be funded if Measure E passes.

“No one knows for sure what will be on the final draft (of projects) and what will be first on the priority list,” the Editorial Board said, pointing out that the project list circulated by Measure E backers is merely a draft.

Read more at this Collegian link.