Argument Against Measure V

[Editor's note: The following ballot statement was submitted to Patch by the City of Pacifica.]

Here we go again - another tax increase on the ballot, this one unnecessary and unfair.

We already pay extra taxes approved for the county, schools, city, community colleges and the state. Is this where and how you'd choose to raise your taxes? What about our schools?

Pacifica’s  Government always wants more money, threatening us unless we approve taxes. Pacifica's budget surplus is $1.4 million.  The state is no longer taking it's money. Rising property values means more local revenue. 

The City Council spent almost $60,000 on a costly special election, expensive campaign mailers promoting the new tax, and another outside consultant.  That could have funded a needed economic development coordinator.

We still pay what Pacifica's web site describes as "excellent" and "generous" compensation. Eighty-six employees and some retirees get over $100,000 a year. Instead of adjusting compensation to match our tax base, Pacifica borrowed to pay it's pension shortfall. 

• Many Pacificans are at the poverty level but are not exempt under Measure V. Others are exempt based on age, not ability to pay. This 60% tax increase hurts the single parents, unemployed, large families and disabled veterans among us. 

• Only residents, not visitors would pay this tax.

• Businesses are favored with a $500 annual cap. There is no cap for residents.

• This tax revenue would go into the General Fund and be spent on salaries. No programs are protected. Pacifica has over-promised what this tax can deliver.

• Do you really think this would be a "temporary tax"?

Pacifica operates too much in secret, withholding  information from the public. It hires too many outside consultants. Council subcommittees make the important decisions  behind closed doors.

Has it earned your trust in higher taxes? 

Join us, your neighbors of all political stripes, in voting NO on unfair, unnecessary Measure V.  

Thomas Clifford, co-chair, Pacificans Against Higher Utility Taxes

Read the rebuttal to the Argument Against Measure V here.