California faces a pressing need for housing, particularly to replace structures lost to wildfires. The state should prioritize building codes that promote durability and sustainability instead of hastily relaxing regulations for quick rebuilds. Meanwhile, Santa Clara County is preparing for a costly special election expected to approach $26 million. The push for this election raises concerns about waste and questions why alternative solutions, like appointing the assistant assessor, are not considered to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Dismissing building codes purely to speed rebuilding is a false economy. In this time of need for more housing, including the replacement of housing destroyed by wildfires, now is the time to build smarter, not quicker and more slipshod.
According to the Mercury News, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has scheduled Nov. 4 for a special election with a possible runoff, which will increase the cost of the race to $26 million.
Assessor Larry Stone is leaving early, and the county's charter requires an election to be held within 120 days. Only the candidates will be happy with a special election that will cost $26 million.
There is no one in county government to argue that this is a ridiculous waste of money? Isn't there a method of overriding the charter and having the assistant assessor take over for the remaining year?
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