To often the interim elections, like the one coming up on November 3, 2009, have a low voter turn out than those of higher profile elections where a Governor or President is being decided. This year needs to be different; if you care about the future of your community and the value of your home than you should take the Advisory vote very seriously. It is as important, if not more, than any other election in recent memory.

Many may already have their absentee mail-in ballot sitting on a desk or counter. The few minutes it will take to fill out will have a profound effect on the future change, if any, in the governance of the unincorporated west side communities of the Santa Clarita Valley. 

Our communities are being asked three simple questions:

1. Do you support areas in the Santa Clarita Valley including Sunset Pointe, Stevenson Ranch, Southern Oaks, Westridge, Tesoro, Castaic, and Val Verde remain as official communities in unincorporated Los Angeles County? YES or NO
2. Do you support areas in the Santa Clarita Valley including Sunset Pointe, Stevenson Ranch, Southern Oaks, Westridge, Tesoro, Castaic, and Val Verde incorporate into a new separate city? YES or NO
3. Do you support areas in the Santa Clarita Valley including Sunset Pointe, Stevenson Ranch, Southern Oaks, Westridge, Tesoro, Castaic, and Val Verde negotiate an annexation into the City of Santa Clarita? YES or NO

Many in the community leadership were disappointed in how the ballet was worded. But this is the way Los Angeles County Counsel insisted the ballot had to be based on some previous court rulings. That’s it; that’s what we have to work with!

That said, it is very important, in order to get an accurate pulse of the community that you answer yes to one of these three questions and no to the other two questions. If you answer no or yes to all three questions it will only skew the results and your vote will be meaningless. So remember, only answer YES to one of the questions you agree with and NO to the other two choices.

The more registered voters that participate in this advisory vote the better. It would be a real shame if only 5% or 10% of voters offer an opinion by casting their ballots. Do you want a small group making this important decision for everyone or would you want to be a part of it?

Well, the answer is obvious to me in that I would like to see as many people weigh in on this decision as possible. As I have said in past commentaries; it is not about which option people chose but rather it is in fact about the process of educating the residents so that they are informed enough to make an intelligent choice.

Let the chips fall where they may!

Once the vote is completed there will certainly be some data mining that will happen. Each of the three study areas, West Ranch, Castaic, and Tesoro, will know exactly what their respective communities would like to see as far as governance is concerned. If the choice is anything other than staying in unincorporated L.A. County it will be years before any change actually takes place. That is just the reality and nature of the process.

So if you have a mail-in ballot take the time to fill it out and mail it or make sure you schedule time to go to your respective polling place and cast your ballot. Do your community a favor and talk to your neighbors about this advisory vote and ask them to participate in the process.

If you need more information all the reports and community meeting notes are posted online here at The Beacon. At the top of the home page there is a header called “Community Reports” and if you click on that it will bring up a window. The new window will allow you to read the entire reports or if you’re pressed for time you can just read the executive summary which gives a good overview of the report.

Have your voice heard; be a part of the process and exercise you right to vote in this November’s election.

And don’t forget about the school and water board elections too!

Dave Bossert- Commentary

Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.