“Citizens’ initiatives” like Measure D evade the CA state constitution’s requirement for a two-thirds vote, says Susan Shelley of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Through a loophole, these special purpose taxes get to sashay in with a simple majority. November’s “Save Prop 13” ballot measure could kneecap Measure D soon after it comes on the scene. An Opportunity Nowexclusive comment.
Read MoreOutsourcing cities may save money, but do they work against public transparency and taxpayer control? Are we entering the fiefdom of the bureaucrat? The Arias Journal explores.
Read MoreRather than owning and operating departments like police, fire, or public works, the city of Lakewood acts as a corporate board of directors. The city council buys specific services (e.g., law enforcement, road maintenance, street sweeping) à la carte through intergovernmental or vendor contracts. Lakewood gov't website explains.
Read MoreOne of L.A.’s biggest homeless service providers has been awarded over $100 million in taxpayer funds while failing to comply with federal audit mandates, according to an LAist review of federal government records.
Read MorePeter Ohtaki, former Menlo Park mayor, outlines a simpler, more cost-effective route to increased affordable housing locally.
Read MoreA bad school district is like a jail sentence, sometimes literally, as many students either drop out or get caught up in the juvenile justice system. So says Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Gus Mattammal, who argues school choice is the way out, and in California that won’t mean “vouchers.” In this excerpt from A is for Average, Mattammal highlights the urgent need for more public charter schools.
Read MoreProponents of the Measure A tax on tourists claim it’s crucial to fund everything from police and fire, to illegal dumping prevention and park bathrooms. But wait, asks Mark Hinkle of the Silicon Valley Taxpayer Association: why aren’t these services already in the budget? And where will the money really go? An Opportunity Now exclusive Q&A.
Read MoreReading the Merc and the Spotlight, one might think a “No” vote on Measure A is downright irresponsible. But government finance expert Mark Moses questions why the city is targeting Sunday library hours and downtown police patrols. Why not instead address the real cost drivers? An Opportunity Now exclusive commentary.
Read More“Why are police and fire emergency response not in the current San Jose City Budget?” quips Mark Hinkle in Silicon Valley Taxpayer Association’s statement: Measure A’s dubious premise that it’s for “essential” services could end up hurting San Jose tourism.
Read MoreOn June 2nd, voters may choose to raise taxes on hotels in San Jose. But that could actually drive business, and jobs, out of town. So says Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association's spokesperson Susan Shelley: unintentionally, it might even bring down tax revenue. An Opportunity Now exclusive comment.
Read MoreCA AB30's Vehicle Travel Traveleted (VMT) fee will make housing in CA more expensive and hit low income residents the hardest. Reihan Salam reviews Jennifer Hernandez' City Journal article on the perverse effects of pro-infill strategies.
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