Pacifica Phone Tax Debaters To Go Head to Head on Measure V

Measure V. It’s up for vote on the November ballot, and if you’re unsure about whether to mark “yes” or “no” on this phone tax, here’s your chance to learn more.

Supporters of the newly proposed phone tax will debate the opponents of the Measure at the monthly breakfast meeting of the Pacifica-Daly City Democrats with Barbara Arietta, President of the Pacifica-Daly City Democrats' Club, as the moderator.

Which side will prevail remains to be seen, however, the Pacifica-Daly City Democrats invite all interested parties to attend the "Measure V - The Great Pacifica Debate of 2013" on Saturday, Oct. 19, which will be held in the rear Banquet Room of the Sharp Park Golf Course Restaurant on Highway 1 and Sharp Park Boulevard in Pacifica. 

"Yes on V" debaters will be Kalimah Salahudin, Measure V campaign manager, and Karen Ervin, Pacifica City Council member. 

"No on V" debaters will be local Pacifica residents and members of the Committee Against Higher Utility Taxes, Mark Stechbart and Jim Wagner. 

If passed, Measure V will update Pacifica's existing UUT to add telecommunication services without increasing the current rate, city officials say.

It's proponents state that Measure V will provide locally controlled funding for critical sources, including: fire protection and 911 emergency response, police protection, senior citizen support (including Meals on Wheels), street and sidewalk maintenance (including pothole repairs), and food and shelter assistance for struggling residents.
Although an individual application will be necessary, Measure V will continue the existing exemption availability for seniors to opt out.  Measure V will also include strict fiscal accountability restrictions and is due to expire in eight years and cannot be extended, increased or changed without voter approval.
 "What is very important is the fact that all funds will stay within our city, the state cannot take a single penny," said Salahudin. "Sacramento has taken $26 million away from Pacifica since 1997. These 'takebacks' have harmed the city's ability to maintain the public safety and health services that Pacificans depend upon. We can't rely on the state to protect the services that make Pacifica one of the 100 safest cities in the United States. That is why Measure V is essential."

Those on the dissenting side of the debate claim that Pacifica's budget surplus is $1.4 million dollars and that Pacifica's government is always threatening the residents unless any proposed taxes by Pacifica's government are approved. 
Opponents of Measure V claim that the State is no longer taking its money and rising property values mean more local revenue. They also claim that if Pacifica needs more money, it might look at adjusting the compensation that is paid to its city staff, citing that the city has 86 employees and some retirees that get over $100,000 a year and that, perhaps, an adjustment of compensation to match Pacifica's tax base is in order, rather than this additional tax.
Opponents further state that only residents, and not visitors, would pay for this tax and that the tax revenue would go into the General Fund and be spent on salaries, with no guarantee of programs being protected. 

“This very important issue will affect Pacificans of all colors, wealthy or poor. This unfair tax will especially hurt the most vulnerable people in our city. Single parents, struggling families, disabled veterans and other lower income taxpayers,” writes a Measure V opponent in a No on V: Pacificans Against Higher Utility Taxes blog on Patch.

It is neither necessary to be a club member, nor a Democrat to attend "Measure V - The Great Pacifica Debate of 2013.” All members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend on Oct. 19. A full breakfast is available for $12; continental breakfast - $6; or coffee only - $3. However, no purchase is necessary. Doors opens at 9 a.m. Seating is between 9and 9:30 a.m. The meeting runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For any questions, and/or to RSVP, contact Barbara Arietta, Club President, at 415-246-0775 or email barietta@hotmail.com. 

Read more on Patch about Measure V:

Rebuttal to the Argument Against Measure V

Argument in Favor of Measure V