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On Nov. 5, San Benito County voters will decide on two $70 million bond measures that would allow the San Benito High School District to build and equip a new high school campus. BenitoLink reviewed the funding that the campaigns for and against the bonds have filed with the county’s Election Department. Because both campaigns can still collect more contributions, the figures may change.
Here are three facts about the funding of the Measures L and M campaigns.
- The majority of money in support of the bond measures comes from construction companies outside the county.
As of Nov. 1, the “Yes” campaign, run by the Committee for Excellent San Benito High Schools, has reported receiving $150,550 in donations. Most of it comes from companies, unions and individuals in the construction industry which would benefit directly from a new high school project.
Their donations add up to almost 83% of the money ($124,500) received.
The campaign’s biggest donor, at $22,000, is HMC Architects, the Ontario company SBHSD hired to design the $206 million high school, which would be completed in 2028.
Blach Construction, a Bay Area company with experience in building educational facilities, gave $15,000; Best Electrical Co. Inc, a San Jose-based electrical contractor, gave $12,000.
Unions in this industry have also contributed. Santa Clara & San Benito Counties Building and Construction Trades Council gave $10,000 and Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association Local Union No. 104 gave $6,000.
Asked about the support from companies and unions in the construction industry, a spokesperson for the Committee for Excellent San Benito High Schools said Measures L and M “will create many good local jobs, and put skilled people to work” in San Benito County.
“That’s why you see labor unions and businesses that work in our area supporting Measures L and M,” the spokesperson wrote in an official statement. “It will be good for students and teachers—and good for the local economy too.”
- Most of the money in the “Yes” campaign comes from outside the county.
Overall, of the $150,550 donated, more than 94% ($142,000) comes from companies, unions, or individuals not based in San Benito County.
Besides construction companies, L and M have the support of members of the educational sector—including Sierra School Equipment Company, a Bakersfield organization that furnishes schools, which gave $10,000, and Matthew A. Pettler, a Sacramento school facility funding and planning consultant, who contributed $2,500.
Yes on L and M has only three local donors: Carol Heiderich, who retired last summer from her role as an administrative assistant of San Benito High School District, with $2,500; Carlos Galvez, a consultant and a Hollister High School parent who has been involved in planning the new high school, with $1,000; and Marcus Building Systems Inc, a local construction company, with $5,000.
- “No” on L and M has not filled any contribution reports.
As of Nov. 1, the “No” on L and M side had not reported any cash or nonmonetary contributions. The campaign is run by the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, an organization “protecting the rights and interests of the taxpayers of Silicon Valley against the overreaching and over-spending of government.”
BenitoLink sought comment from association President Mark W.A. Hinkle, but received no response.
San Benito County Chief Deputy Clerk-Recorder-Elections Ana de Castro Maquis confirmed that the “No” campaign had not reported any donations.
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