October 3, 2006 > Letters to the Editor

by Peggy Gerling

Kudos to the group which filed a rebuttal argument to the previously rejected Fremont utility tax, that again is on the November ballot. Measure L, which requires approval from only 51% of the voters, stipulates the money would go into the general fund rather than for a specific purpose - that requires 66 2/3% approval. The council states this tax is necessary for police, fire and maintenance services but once the money is put in the General Fund, it could be spent for any frivolous cause or ongoing projects including replacing median landscaping, maintenance work performed on dead-end streets with no traffic, $47,000 for a stone sculpture at Fire Station #6, luring the A's baseball team, etc.

In the meantime, we live with our potholes. At a recent council meeting, after it was unanimously agreed to put the utility tax on the November ballot, there was later discussion regarding a future amphitheater in addition to a cultural arts center. Is this a top priority? In spite of a purported deficit, this council and city manager have a wish list a mile long. How much of the revenue from a utility tax would really go for police, fire and maintenance?

Be smart and vote "No" on Measure L.

Peggy Gerling
Fremont