Rebuttal to argument for Measure F

Proponents of Measure F state it is a “fair” tax. Nothing could be further from the truth. A Sales Tax is a Regressive Tax. That means both rich and poor pay the same amount. There is no equity in a sales tax.

The proponents for Measure F are misleading you. If passed, not one cent of money raised is earmarked for the programs they list. By law, any money from a ballot measure that requires a simple majority vote, as does Measure F, goes directly into the General Fund. It cannot be earmarked for special programs, no matter how worthy.

To earmark money for special programs, a ballot measure has to be approved by two thirds of the voters.  Measure F requires a simple majority to pass. Therefore any monies raised go directly to the General Fund, not to special programs. Don’t be misled by language that suggests the opposite. A ballot measure seeking a two thirds vote to succeed could have been written to fund special programs but it is not Measure F.

While a future council may vote to allocate General Fund money to a particular program or cause, it is just as likely to go to consultants or retirement funds. Future retirement costs are singled out as a major reason for the city’s budget concerns.

The city budget should not be balanced on the backs of those least able to afford it.

Vote NO on Measure F

/s/ Susan Martinez
/s/ Gillian Greensite
/s/ Ron Pomerantz

If an asterisk (*) appears after a name, it means the person is signing on behalf of that agency/organization.

If no asterisk (*) appears after a name, it means the person is signing as an individual.