Argument Against Measure G
Measure G is not a simple renewal of an existing tax. It is a new ordinance that would lock in, for six years, an unnecessary and unfair parcel tax on every Davis apartment, house and business that could not be repealed unless we approve yet another “replacement” tax.
Measure G is not about parks. It specifically allows the City to use this tax for street lighting, medians and public facilities. And, as a General Fund supplement, every dollar we pay for “parks” frees up money the City can spend on anything it wants.
Measure G is regressive and unfair. A renter in a one-bedroom apartment would pay the same as someone living in a $2 million home. A 10,000 square-foot local business would pay the same as a 137,000 square-foot big- box retailer.
Measure G is unnecessary. Since renewal of the “parks” tax in 2002, we currently generate nearly $2 million more per year in property taxes and $3 million more in sales taxes. With roughly $5 million more per year, how can the City possibly justify extending this tax for six more years?
Citizens have called for an end to this tax for nine years, from the Citizens Budget Committee in 1997 through the current Finance and Budget Commission. In 2002, the City promised to end this tax if we approved an alternative. In 2004, voters approved a sales tax increase that now generates $2.2 million per year—more than enough to replace the $1.3 million parks tax. Now the City says it needs even more. This makes no sense.
Our only remaining option is to end this tax, and force the City to engage citizens in an honest dialogue on the budget. Please join us in voting NO on Measure G. (For more arguments: yvm.net/vme/no-on-g/counter.html)
Schneor Sherman
Chair, Committee for Efficient Government
Member, Citizens Budget Committee, 1997-98
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Julie E.A. Partansky
Former Mayor, City of Davis, 1998-2000
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John R. Morrell
Vice-President, Yolo County Taxpayers Association
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Christopher E. Ochoa
Commissioner, City of Davis Finance and
Budget Commission
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Pamela S. Nieberg
Member, Citizens Budget Committee, 1997-1998
Treasurer, Committee for Efficient Government
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Please join us by voting NO on Measure G.
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