Argument in Favor of Measure V

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

Vote Yes on Measure V to protect police and fire services, 911 emergency response, and keep our neighborhoods, schools, parks and beaches safe. These services are part of what makes Pacifica a safe and desirable place to live.

To ensure Measure V will benefit Pacifica, all funds will stay in our community—the state cannot take away a single penny. Citizen oversight and annual audits ensure all funds are used appropriately to protect important city services for local residents.

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 on.

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.

Measure V will update our city's existing UUT to add telecommunications services—without increasing the current rate.

Measure V will provide locally controlled funding for critical services, including:

• Fire protection and 911 emergency response
• Police protection
• Senior citizen support, including Meals on Wheels
• Street and sidewalk maintenance, including pothole repair
• Food and shelter assistance for struggling residents

Measure V continues the existing exemption for senior citizens.

Measure V includes strict fiscal accountability provisions.

• All funds will stay in Pacifica and cannot be taken away by the state
• Measure V expires in 8 years and cannot be extended, increased or changed without voter approval
• Independent citizens' oversight, mandatory third-party audits and yearly reports to the community are required to ensure funds are spent on priority city services

Please join Pacifica community leaders, business owners and senior citizens to protect the vital services that keep our residents safe and healthy—vote Yes on V.

Kalimah Salahuddin, campaign manager for Support Pacifica’s Future

Read the Rebuttal to the Argument in Favor of Measure V here.