Tellefson neighborhood organizer David Voncannon said he called last night’s community meeting on the half-cent sales tax proposition known as Measure Y “because this is a vitally important subject, and I wanted everyone to have an opportunity to hear the details from experts.”
Exactly on time at 7 o’clock, Vice Mayor Jeff Cooper and City Councilman Jim Clarke reported to the King Fahad mosque Youth Center prepared to demystify any lingering arcanity clouding Y.
Judging by the results, all mysteries must have been resolved in the two months since the City Council packaged it for a bottom slot on the Nov. 6 ballot.
The neighborhood turnout was pocket-sized, as Mr. Clarke updated the table audience on the Measure Y campaign:
“We are in the midst of gathering supporters. About 160 at the last count. We have brochures. Lawn signs will be ready Friday.
“We have a major citywide walk planned at 9:30 in the morning on Saturday the 13th.”
How can City Hall gauge the campaign’s progress?
“If anything,” spoke up Vice Mayor Cooper, “it is the strong response we get when we speak to audiences. It has happened every time. I can see a lot of support.
“I have spoken to two groups so fart, and easily 90 percent of them support Measure Y (to close the city’s $8 million budget deficit).”
Mr. Clarke said ditto.
“I have spoken to three groups, and I have at least two more,” he said, “and my experience was the same.
“What really is appealing to people is when you explain to them what it is going to be used for, that there is a (10-year) limit, and most importantly, that all of the money being raised stays right here in Culver City. That seems to clinch it.”
Mr. Cooper’s turn:
“We tell people this is not a cure-all, that reform steps have been taken and that workers have cooperated with the city.
“We show them how everybody is working hard to reduce our overhead.
“I tell them that even if Measure Y passes, our job still is not done. We have more work to do. As Council members, it not only is our job to reduce our deficit but also to increase our revenue, to make some money for the city, too.”
