It is now October and autumn is here. The days are shorter, it is dark when we get up for work, and it is getting darker every night when we come home.
The air is still warm during the day, but the nights are getting crisper with each passing day.
We are also in the midst of the mid-term election season, when voters will be considering several issues and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. In Martinez, voters will be asked to weigh in on a general revenue measure known as Measure X, the Martinez Quality of Life and Essential Services Measure.
Measure X is a proposed ½ cent sales tax that will generate $3.2 million. This will be used to maintain 911 police emergency response times, prevent violent crime, enhance school safety, retain and recruit experienced police officers, protect and maintain parks and open space, address homelessness, and provide for youth, recreation and senior programs.
If approved, Measure X will sunset in 15 years. People are now talking and asking about Measure X, and I thought it might be helpful and informative to answer some of those questions here:
Q: Isnât this a blank check for city government?
A: No. Community based spending priorities are included as part of the package considered by the city council in placing the measure on the ballot. If enacted, the measure includes strict accountability provisions such as an independent citizensâ oversight of spending, public spending reports, and annual independent financial audits. All funds must be used only in Martinez.
Q: But you are saying just to trust you. Why not do a Special Tax (or a Special Purpose Measure), where the uses for the funds are âlocked downâ?
A: As we have with previous voter approved funding, we asked the public what they preferred. A community survey conducted earlier this summer showed that voters prefer a general purpose funding mechanism that addresses a variety of holistic quality of life issues, including public safety, youth programs, and support for the homeless, among other issues.
Q: Why do we need this when we already have two other measures in place, including Measure D?
A: Martinez residents pride themselves on their self-reliance and are passion ate about keeping their taxpayer dollars local. Thatâs why they enacted Measure D to address street and road repair. A recent community survey conducted this summer showed that residents highly value their quality of life services and next want to turn their attention to maintaining 911 services and addressing pressing issues such as homelessness and maintaining programs for seniors and youth.
Q: Isnât sales tax regressive?
A: This is the only mechanism available to the city where visitors to Martinez share in the cost. There are no levies on prescription medication or food purchased as groceries. It is also not a tax on oneâs home or property
Q: Isnât the real problem your pension liability?
A: Years of historic state takeaways, new and unfunded state requirements, and the increasing cost of services are all contributing factors. Our city has been a leader in reforming our pension structure and spending our voter approved funding as promised to voters. We must continue to be self-reliant while maximizing the use of our taxpayer dollars for LOCAL services. This is funding that canât be seized by the state and is a safeguard against uncertain external challenges.
You can read more about Measure X by going to the cityâs website at www. cityofmartinez.org. You can also email me at rschroder@cityofmartinez.org.
Who will decide who will be on the independent citizens oversight committee?
Mike, what is it you believe will happen? I have expressed sharp dissent over issues in the past and yet I was still chosen to be part of the General Plan Update Task Force.
I imagine the committee will be made up of folks who have shown a desire to volunteer their time, have the ability to synthesize very dry material and can offer some degree of expertise.
We’re not Bell, CA. Our city staff are not made up of evil geniuses playing the best shell game ever and our City Treasurer, Carolyn Robinson, is above reproach.
“Our city has been a leader in reforming our pension structure…”
In what ways? From what year have new hires not been part of CalPERS?
Please elaborate.
I believe I asked a simple question. Got an answer?
Mike
Aren’t we paying enough in taxes? Another sales tax increase will only hit us where it hurts, our pocketbooks. And by the way, when Measure D is complete and our roads are repaired, then I might consider another sales tax increase. Vote NO on Measure X. A