4 responses to “Give us the Facts & Figures on a Fair Tax”

1. AgainstMeasureH

   October 7, 2006

   Contrary to what is being conveyed in the city’s educational materials re: Measure H, we are apparently not just limited to an assessed value Prop.13 tax, or a flat parcel tax. Moreover, parcel taxes do NOT have to be flat taxes – per 1994 Measure Q in Oakland. Do we have the final answers? No. Hey, we’re just regular residents/voters, like everyone else. But we DO have some serious questions – and we would simply like more time to explore what the various options are. Again, it seems there are MORE than just two financing options out there. We also want to know if there are options that have more certainty as to what the ultimate cost will be to taxpayers. The current proposal would be a 30+ year investment. There is a lot of uncertainty with the current proposal, given the nature of the four separate bond installments over time – and a bond interest range that could be as high as 12%. This uncertainty affects EVERYONE, regardless of when you bought your property, what type of property you have, etc., etc. We’re not against taxes. And this isn’t just about what is fair. We’re just wondering if there is a better way to get the job done. This isn’t about “young” versus “old.” We all add richness and vibrancy to our community. And, we also all benefit from each other economically. So, let’s keep the debate/civic engagement above the fray, please. 🙂

2. Anonymous

   October 7, 2006

   I certainly mean no disrespect to your group, However, maybe the time for alternative tax proposals would have been several months ago when the bond was being proposed and formatted. It’s a good idea to read the city’s website and see what is being discussed well in advance. Then there could be a healthy debate about each one, preferably with somebody who can realistically assess the pros and cons of tax structures not typically used in older towns. As it is, I do think that what they have chosen is the best one for the vast majority of homeowners.

3. AgainstMeasureH

   October 8, 2006

   Hi Jen – Thanks for your comments. Hey, we’re all doing the best we can to be informed and engaged citizens. In terms of what appears on the city’s website, we actually requested the full text of what will appear on the actual ballot; prior to our request, the city’s Tax Rate Statement and Impartial Analysis, as appear in actual ballot, were not on the city’s website. Neither were the signatories of the Arguements in favor or against, even though these also appear in the ballot. To be fully informed, you can’t just rely on the city’s website. At the end of the day, are we blaming the city? No. But we can ask questions. We’re the ones voting and making decisions. Thus, we all ultimately bear responsibility for researching the facts from various sources and forming the best informed judgements possible. Citizens (just like consumers, investors, etc), have no one to blame but themselves for their decisions.

4. Anonymous

   October 8, 2006

   I agree, but I was actually referring to the agendas. I’m thinking that the item may have been discussed fairly early. The public works people usually have a report that they give when they are pondering these issues. Also, it was probably on somebody’s list at the goal setting meeting in January (?) I think, but a council person would know that. I do know that there was a city wide poll of likely voters, regarding support for the issue, and that was perhaps a year ago. The trick is to get your thoughts in early, and that means reading the dailies, etc. If you don’t know something is evolving, than it is surely difficult to give any input.