San Jose resident Teresa Gutierrez is willing to pay her share of taxes to keep programs she cares about afloat. But at least five new taxes -- all at once? That's pushing even her good nature.
"All these taxes!" exclaims Gutierrez, 65.
She likely won't be alone in her exasperation: Of the 21 local measures that will appear on the Santa Clara County ballot in November, 13 are asking for money.
The East Side Union High School District where Gutierrez lives is seeking a $98 annual parcel tax that would pay for teachers and programs; her local community college is asking for $268 million in bond sales for campus upgrades.
But wait, there's more.
The county is asking her to pony up a $29 annual parcel tax to help provide health coverage for low-income children, while the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority wants to add $10 to her yearly car registration fee to improve local roads.