Questioning the Taxpayers’ Right to Know and Vote petition, Mr. Gary Dudley in his Sept. 28 letter [to the Editor], says that the way the City pays for municipal services and projects is fine. His conclusion is, “if it isn’t broke, why fix it?” Well, he is talking about the past. Today, City finances are teetering, and the way it did things in the past can’t continue.
Signal Hill voters should have a final say on city proposals asking us to dig deeper into our pockets to pay for municipal services and projects. Times are tough for everyone.
All local governments are asking taxpayers to dig deeper to raise new revenue for local public services. In 2013, the County with the participation of cities is planning to ask County voters to approve a new property fee for storm water drainage systems.
In April 2012, the Signal Hill City Council adopted a new ordinance, the Economic Development Assistance Program, and made it a part of the City Charter. That ordinance is a clear signal that the City may ask us to dig deeper into our pockets for more revenue.
This is just the start of a trend to raise more revenue from new local taxes, property fees, bonds and assessments because traditional revenue sources, like sales and property taxes are still lagging. And, the State money spigot was turned off when the governor eliminated the use of state money for local projects.
So there’s nothing in sight to relieve cities from paying their own way except to raise money from us, the local taxpayer.
The Know and Vote petition is meant to bring these new revenue decisions immediately before us. It is meant to give us full disclosure. And, Know and Vote gives all Signal Hill voters the final say.
If we think the city proposal is worth it, we will vote for it. We have seen this in other cities. The two-thirds vote requirement does not lead to “no progress,” as Dudley states.
What it does is make sure that city officials seriously consider the worth of a project to the Signal Hill voter. With Know and Vote a part of the City Charter, the interests of the Signal Hill community will come “First.”
Maria Harris
Member
Signal Hill Community First
