Measure X is not a bond – misprint on Nov. 8 ballot leads to confusion

A slight error on the upcoming November 8 ballot has created some confusion. You will see on the ballot under Measure X an opportunity to bubble in "Bonds Yes" or "Bonds No." Please know this is a mistake. Measure X is not a Bond.

Measure X is a proposition asking voters to approve a new 30-year lease between Adventist Health and the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District. A "YES" vote for the measure ensures that Adventist Health will construct -at no cost to the taxpayer - a new, state-of-the-art outpatient pavilion to provide primary care services, specialty care services, dentistry and behavioral health care.

A "YES" vote on Measure X will have no financial impact on taxpayers.

"Our community deserves the highest quality care available in state-of-the-art facilities," said Edward Martin, Site Administrator/Administrative Director of Operations for Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley. "Voting 'YES' on Measure X enables Adventist Health to continue elevating the healthcare experience in our community through the construction of a new 10,000-square-foot outpatient pavilion on its campus." The outpatient pavilion is being financed through a combination of Adventist Health capital and charitable donations made to the Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Foundation.

"The concern is voters might mistake this as a Bond Measure because of the misprint," said Martin. "If voters don't approve Measure X, Adventist Health will maintain its lease for the originally agreed-upon 30-year term, expiring in 2046, and will not build a new outpatient pavilion for primary care services," he added.

Our community is growing, and every one of our residents deserves high-quality healthcare close to home in a state-of-the-art facility worthy of their care. Constructing a new outpatient pavilion would ensure our community's access to essential healthcare services in town.

"Again, please know Measure X is not a bond. It's a misprint on the ballot. Your 'YES' vote would help us continue to offer compassionate, quality and much-deserved care right here in Tehachapi," said Martin.

Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 75 communities in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Our workforce of 32,900 includes more than 23,600 employees; nearly 5,000 medical staff physicians; and 4,350 volunteers. Founded on Seventh-day Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides compassionate care in 20 hospitals, more than 260 clinics (hospital-based, rural health and physician clinics), 15 home care agencies, seven hospice agencies and four joint-venture retirement centers. In addition, the Adventist Health Plan serves patients in Kings County. Visit http://www.AdventistHealth.org for more information.