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Candidates back Measure AA school bond and Measure V continuation, cite consequences for roads and police
Summary
At a Ridgecrest candidate forum candidates expressed support for Measure AA (school bond) and Measure V (local tax continuation), saying the measures fund schools, roads and public safety though opponents raise concerns about permanence and transparency.
Candidates at the Ridgecrest City Council forum largely supported both Measure AA, a school bond, and Measure V, a local revenue measure, while emphasizing voter choice and the need for clearer public discussion.
Councilman Solomon Rajaratnam said he "strongly support[s] Measure V" and described it as a key funding source for the city’s recent infrastructure and police staffing gains. Rajaratnam said Measure V finances a significant share of the police and streets budgets and credited it with road rehabilitation projects and equipment purchases.
Why it matters: Candidates said Measure AA would fund school‑facility repairs and potentially leverage federal matching dollars. Measure V, proponents say, provides predictable local revenue for public safety and street maintenance; opponents have questioned the lack of a sunset clause on the current Measure V iteration and argued permanent taxes require more direct voter review.
What candidates said
Tom Witnik framed Measure AA and Measure V as voter questions he would defer to the electorate: "What do they vote for?" He cautioned residents that ballot initiatives are not easy to place or remove from the ballot and described the initiative process as resource‑intensive based on his own experience.
Rajaratnam described Measure V as a primary funding source for the city and said it "brings in around 34% of the tax dollars to our community." He credited Measure V with enabling police and street improvements and said continuation would allow the city to complete road rehabilitation projects he described as mostly finished by 2030.
Kyle Blades also supported both measures, calling Measure AA an investment in children and saying Measure V "makes a whole lot of sense" because it underwrites long‑term planning.
Ending
Candidates urged voters to follow the campaign materials and public hearings, and to weigh tradeoffs. Witnik emphasized that he would respect the voters’ decision; incumbents stressed continuity of public services funded by the measures.
