This article was posted with the permission of Miles Reiter, CEO of Driscoll’s. Please note that this is an opinion piece that HAS been fact-checked to the best of our ability. For more facts, see RTC Update.

Dear Friends…

…colleagues and acquaintances in the 831 area code,

I am reaching out to you in order to shed some light with regard to Measure D, which will be on the Santa Cruz County ballot this coming June 7. This Measure has tremendous importance to those of us that live, work and raise our families in the Monterey Bay Area. It will have an impact, not just on mobility, but on how we live our lives in our chosen area. 

Measure D addresses the future use of the currently abandoned rail corridor that stretches almost the entire length of Santa Cruz County. Most simply put, a Yes on Measure D prioritizes the establishment of a wide continuous bicycle and pedestrian trail on the existing rail bed. This scenario would require an established process called railbanking and would require the removal of the existing tracks. A No vote would prioritize the plan that has been in place for the last decade. This plan calls for a trail alongside the existing tracks, combined with the somewhat remote possibility of commuter rail at some time in the future. This approach also requires railbanking and, if commuter rail did become possible, it would also require the removal of the existing tracks, as they are old, worn and no use for any future purpose (except recycling). 

Over the past 8 years, I have taken a great interest (some might call it fanatical) in the future use of the rail corridor. I regard it as the most potentially impactful, however unused, piece of real estate in the County and worth a lot of time and effort to understand. I have walked the entire 32 miles from Watsonville to Davenport, most of it numerous times. I have studied the decade old plan mentioned above. The trail portion of the plan is called the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail (MBSST). It was produced on behalf of the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC). I have gone to the trouble knowing the exact boundaries of the right of way and have physically measured the design features called for in that plan. 

I have reviewed the several passenger rail studies and have witnessed the demise of the three recent freight operators that attempted to make a go of freight service in the County, north of Watsonville. Like all of us, I have witnessed the traffic mess on Highway 1, as well as, the continued deterioration of our county roads. 

YES Based on Facts

There are very passionate feelings about the future of the rail corridor, making the battle over Measure D extremely intense. Some say there is a flood of misinformation on both sides. I can tell you, with absolute assurance, that this is not the case. The Yes team is telling the truth, with their claims invariably supported by factual information or third party studies. Some of the claims seem exaggerated. They are not. I know the Yes team well; it is an honest, conscientious group of people. They have put in the time and effort to truly understand the choices before us. You may choose to disagree with their conclusions

NO Based on Deceit

The No on D campaign is shockingly deceitful. Nothing is documented; it is rampant with accusations; it rigorously avoids actually engaging in any of the known facts regarding Measure D or the rail corridor itself. Time frames are ignored or mischaracterized. The proponents of No could have engaged in honest debate. It would have been an important service to the public. It is clear to me that a thorough knowledge of the pros and cons of the issues and opportunities associated with the rail corridor are something the No on D campaign seeks to avoid. 

Those of you that know me well, know that I would not denigrate someone, or something, just to make my point. I can only say that I have never seen such disregard for honest communication, ever, as that which is coming from the No team. Really. It is absolutely deplorable and I feel compelled to alert all of you. 

Sorry for the negativity. For a more positive and very honest view from my friend, William Ow, please see the enclosed. For those of you in the South County I also enclose a letter I sent to the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Greenway opportunity is just as compelling in Watsonville as it is in the rest of the county. Please be sure to vote on, or before, Tuesday, June 7. 

Sincerely,

Miles Reiter

Letter from Miles Reiter to Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce