Santa Cruz for Bernie Opposes City of Santa Cruz Measure F

No on F, a regressive sales tax.

Note: This is not an anti-tax tirade. The people who contributed these arguments generally support local tax measures because we believe in the services that local government and schools provide, and we realize these jurisdictions have limited sources of revenue. But F is too far a stretch.

F is Regressive. The nature of a sales tax is that it hits poorer people harder because they end up paying a higher percentage of their total income in tax than the rich.

F is Illegitimate. To get this tax on the ballot, the Council had to vote unanimously that the City was in a Fiscal Emergency. (An emergency is a crisis requiring immediate response.) True, the City is short on funds, but these are the same fiscal problems that have been with us for the last 30 years.) Council has had plenty of opportunity to enact more equitable revenue sources, such as a real estate transfer tax, but that wouldn't serve the interests of the backers of the Council majority (real estate, developers, business, not working and poor folks).

F is Dishonest. The ballot statement lists a slew of wonderful projects they claim this tax will benefit. That's hogwash! This is a 50% tax. The money will go into the City's General Fund with no earmarks for any particular purpose. It will as readily be spent on budget items you hate as the ones you love.

F Stretches Campaign Finance Rules. There is no campaign committee for F registered with the FPPC, yet the City spent big bucks on a "Notice to Voters" which was just PR hype for F.

F is Irresponsible. Before hitting up working and poor folks for more sales tax, the City could show some fiscal responsibility and easily come up with a million $ in savings by reducing quarter-million $ management positions and highly-paid PR flacks.