Candidate for
Board Member; Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District; Ward 6

JACK HICKEY Age: 68

Occupation: Retired Research Scientist

Education and Qualifications:

I have intimate knowledge of the 1976 partial annexation of San Mateo County into the Midpeninsula Regional Park District. It was opposed by San Mateo County Supervisors, and voters in Woodside, San Carlos and Redwood City. Now the District seeks an annexation extending their land control to the coast.

The Districts' park and recreation functions became virtually non-existent as the name changed to Open Space District in 1977. Taxpayers with dogs have limited access to District lands. Peninsula golfers, and tax dollars, travel to Watsonville while the District continues to take prime recreational land off property tax rolls. Handicapped access is limited. Revenue producing golf courses would provide far greater access to the natural treasures of these lands. The landed assets of the District, with proper stewardship, should be self supporting. Property tax subsidy should be withdrawn.

My ultimate solution to end this incremental encroachment by regional government would be to provide San Mateo County voters with an up or down vote seeking annexation or detachment of the whole county. I expect that voters would send the trespassers packing, and restore stewardship to our Park and Recreation Department. If the District continues operation in San Mateo County, it must restore and expand original recreational components.

/s/ Jack Hickey