District explores tax, bond

Richmond resident Scott Badler, who is not a student, said he understands the importance of passing both measures.

“I’m in favor of funding education,” the unemployed 57-year-old said. “If you fund education you see less unemployment and less crime in your communities.”

San Pablo resident Christina Armenta, a 28-year-old CCC student, said she sees little hope for either of the measures.

“As a student here, I’m in favor of both, but knowing the economic realities of the economy and unemployment, I don’t think either one will pass,” she said. “Voters think with their wallets and everyone is so cash-strapped.”

Armenta said if she was not a student, she probably would not view the measures the same.

“I’d vote for both of them, (but) if I wasn’t a student, I’d probably think differently,” she said.

April Wilson, a 45-year-old student who lives in Richmond, said she is unsure how she would vote.

“I’m kind of torn,” the accounting technician said. “The poorest people are barely holding on. It’s hard asking them to do more.”

Wilson said the parcel tax is a “harsh” measure for many.

“If I got the classes I need it would outweigh the parcel tax, but not everyone looks at it that way,” Wilson said. “I don’t want higher taxes, but I still see the need to repair schools.”