Do not be fooled! Chula Vista’s politicians claim the extra $16 million per year from raising our taxes will be used for infrastructure—things like vehicles, irrigation, etc. They even wrote what they call the “City Council Intended Infrastructure Facilities and Equipment Expenditure Plan” to mislead voters into thinking that finally the city would be getting the improvements it needs.
But read the fine print! Their “Intended” plan actually states: “It does not, however, constitute a binding legal commitment on the City Council to approve any of the expenditures proposed.”
Politicians cannot be trusted! The law enacted by the City Council to spend their higher taxes on us states: “Nothing in this Ordinance shall . . . bind the City to use the proceeds for any specific purpose or function.”
Politicians’ spending has no restrictions! The higher taxes will go into the general fund and may be spent on politicians’ pet projects for special interests, not necessarily on residents ‘priorities and preferences.
Politicians need money for employee pensions! The City’s last published annual audit showed over $12.8 million in unfunded pension debt.
The city is losing money and taking on more debt! The same audit showed the city’s assets shrinking more than $10 million and liabilities and deferred maintenance growing by over $263 million compared to the prior year.
Politicians cannot be trusted with our money! If politicians want to raise taxes for infrastructure, first they must give us a legally binding plan that guarantees new infrastructure. This tax hike is deceptive and offers no guarantee of new infrastructure for residents.
Put Chula Vista residents first! Just say “No” to Measure P!
Shilling is a Chula Vista resident, Marshall is treasurer of California Taxpayers Action Network and Quiroz, Jr., is chairman of San Diegans for Open Government.
