March 30, 2000

To: Henry Yang, Chancellor

From: Richard Watts, Divisional Chair

Re: Senate Vote on the Highway 217 Ballot

I write to inform you that the Academic Senate member vote on the Ballot containing the Resolution on Highway 217 was 400 for 28 against and 23 invalid. In addition, the resolution had been unanimously approved by the Faculty Legislature in its February 3rd meeting.

The voter response to this issue was substantial; the total 451 votes represents 43% of the 1,047 Senate members who were sent ballots. Compared to the results of the Myanmar ballot sent out last year, the interest level in Highway 217 appears relatively high.

The substance of the faculty resolution calls for a moratorium on further planning for stop lights on Highway 217 until the implications for UCSB have been thoroughly studied. In keeping with the expressed desire of the faculty on this issue, I am requesting that you contact local county and city officials who are associated with the planning effort and inform them of the sentiment of the faculty.

Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in this matter.