Bond propositions and beneficiaries

Re “Prop. 84 is poster measure for state’s devious initiative system,” column, May 24

How refreshing for George Skelton to remind voters just how wrongheaded bond propositions are. They cost a lot more than the original bonds to repay, and they are almost always mismanaged.

If voters don’t stop approving these bond measures, in the future this state will be bankrupted. We will have no services -- we’ll just be repaying debt on old propositions.

Next time we head into the voting booth, don’t happily check “yes” on any propositions. Think about our future and defeat them.

KAREN JACKSON

Valley Village

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Re “All wet,” editorial, and, “Steamed over the water bond,” letters, May 23

Your editorial and readers’ responses regarding museums and the water bonds underscore the need for the state to embrace a more comprehensive approach for supporting museums. Although the text for Proposition 84 fully disclosed that a small portion would be used for nature education in “natural history museums, aquariums, research facilities and botanical gardens,” the process for disseminating these funds needs to be transparent, competitive and equitable. California museums are significant contributors to a valued quality of life, healthy tourism, K-12 education and lifelong learning.

Although museums are serving more schoolchildren and offering more programs than ever, government support has declined 43% since 1998. Museums need support from voters and the state to meet a growing demand for their services and safeguard the state’s natural and cultural heritage.

CELESTE DEWALD

Executive director

California Assn. Of Museums, Santa Cruz