In what is shaping up to be a very contentious showdown in November, many of those against Measure U have organized and are now online with their group, San Carlos First. For those who may not be aware, Measure U is the San Carlos sales tax increase initiative. If passed, the measure would provide for a 1/2 cent sales tax increase on goods sold within the city limits. For a full explanation on Measure U, please click here to be referred to a previous blog post of two weeks ago. There were 17 comments attached to this post as well, both supporting and not supporting Measure U. In that post we provided a link to the Yes on Measure U site. To be fair, I believe I should provide a link to the No on Measure U site which can be found by clicking here.
5 Comments
Thank you for the article. We believe that raising sales taxes during a deep recession will depress business even further, making the original problem worse. Moreover, sales taxes are extremely regressive, hurting those the most who can least afford it.
We appreciate that the city is experiencing tough times, and that the State of California hasn’t helped matters by taking local funds. Still, we have all had to tighten our belts and make tough choices during this economic slowdown. By comparison, the City budget has gone up from $19 million in 2000 to $28.7 million today — a 50% increase in spending.
If you agree that raising sales taxes in a deep recession will only make matters worse, please sign up at http://sancarlosfirst.com today.
Bob, do you support this measure? What are your thoughts?
Hi Laura,
Thanks for your post. As mentioned in the original Measure U post which can be found a little further down on this page, I do support Measure U. There is not one person who likes taxes or especially tax hikes. I do not want to see our services cut further and I truly do believe that we have already trimmed enough from the budget. Further, I believe the 1/2% sales tax increase would be negligible in terms of driving retail traffic from San Carlos. Not an easy call at all, but the right call for San Carlos.
Bob
The San Jose Mercury News has a far different take. See why they are urging a NO vote on Measure U.
http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_13673458
The City of San Carlos does not have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem.
Dear Friends and Neighbors — Some of you may have already cast your ballot in the upcoming election. For those who have not, I hope you will vote approval for Measure U.
In addition to possible cuts in city services, including police, fire and parks and recreation, the future of San Carlos Hometown Days is in doubt. Since its inception, the City of San Carlos has provided generous in-kind services to our committee in the form of help from staff in the Parks & Recreation Department, the Police Department and the Public Works Department. Without this help, Hometown Days would not be possible.
Hometown Days is part of what makes San Carlos “The City of Good Living”, providing a safe, family-oriented event, organized and staffed entirely by volunteers…an event which celebrates the best of our community. In 2010, Hometown Days will celebrate its 30th Anniversary. It is my hope this wonderful tradition will continue for many more years to come. Supporting Measure U will help ensure the future of this event. Please join me in voting YES on November 3rd.