The Softec Board of Directors has voted to oppose Measure H which will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot for San Luis Obispo residents.
Softec believes that the passage of Measure H, which proposes to block the extension of Prado Road between South Higuera and Broad Street, will be harmful to the local technology industry. Since the technology industry was born, San Luis Obispo has been a growing ground for successful technology companies. The success of technology companies in San Luis Obispo and surrounding communities is of the utmost importance to our organization and it is part of our responsibility to speak up when we observe a situation that may interfere with their success.
Quality of Life is one of the key recruitment and retention tools available to local technology companies amid high housing costs and limited job mobility. The City of San Luis Obispo and City Council have carefully considered the Prado Road extension and incorporated it into the long-term vision for the south end of San Luis Obispo. The factors included in that analysis have incorporated many quality of life issues including safety as it relates to fire and police response, congestion and commute time, air pollution, and recreational and open space. These factors are among some of the most important quality of life considerations of the owners and employees of technology companies.
Good policy at the local level is a key to the success and vibrancy of the technology industry. Several local agencies, advisory bodies, and community groups have provided input and advice as it relates to the Prado Road extension. After careful analysis of Measure H and the work done by local government and the various organizations that have provided input, Softec does support not Measure H.
It is our opinion that it is in the best interest of our members to vote NO on Measure H.