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Contra Costa Times (California)

July 22, 2004

Schools hire firm to aid bond campaign

By Eric Louie; CONTRA COSTA TIMES

School trustees have hired a high-profile campaign consultant to help decide whether to place a bond measure on November's ballot.

But with the Aug. 6 deadline to place the measure on the ballot just two weeks away, questions remain as to whether the Dublin board should pursue the measure and, if so, whether there's enough time to mount a successful campaign.

On Tuesday, the board unanimously approved the hiring of William Berry Campaigns, choosing the Sacramento firm over Tramutola LLC and The Lew Edwards Group, both of Oakland.

"They're dedicated to winning," Berry said of the district, who in his estimation considered the top three campaign consultants in the state.

The decision to hire Berry came down to Berry and Tramutola. Berry had worked on March's successful Measure B, a $498 million bond for the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District. Tramutola had worked on the West Contra Costa Healthcare District parcel tax that passed earlier this month in a special June election.

But while the district moves closer toward a November bond measure, Trustee David Haubert said he is not convinced the district should bring the issue to voters. He questions the current bond amount being explored, especially considering the district's recent parcel tax measure loss. The $185 million amount for construction and renovation Berry will be looking at is high, and has not been reviewed enough to see if that is how much is needed, he said. A survey last year to gauge support of a parcel tax and bond measure showed 56 percent of voters would support a $68 million bond measure. The bond measure would need 55 percent approval to pass.

"It scares me that we're so close to the deadline," he said. He also wants to see flexibility in the measure so that a new high school could also be funded with the money.

There has been talk of opposition from East Dublin should there not be talks toward a second comprehensive high school, possibly at Camp Parks.

Superintendent John Sugiyama said district staff is refining estimates for work at Dublin High and in the rest of the district. He said that, unlike parcel tax money that would have paid for expanded programs and services, a bond measure pays for facility needs. Such needs can be physically shown to voters, thus helping the bond campaign. Berry said the district's experience in the last campaign will help this time.

Board President Randy Shumway says there is enough time. "We're not replicating the mistakes of last time."

Reach Eric Louie at 925-847-2123 or elouie@cctimes.com