[img]1592|left|Mr. Jeff Cooper||no_popup[/img]Vice Mayor Jeff Cooper today took a few moments to discuss the upcoming election with a group of undecided voters about Measure Y, Culver City’s half-cent sales tax increase that is intended to bridge City Hall’s $8 million budget deficit.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 2½ years on City Council,” Mr. Cooper said.
“We have made significant progress in many areas.
“Despite what has happened in Sacramento, our city is better today than it was two years ago. Indeed, Culver City is better in 2012 than it was in 2007, 2002, 1997 or 1992.
“I moved here from the Bay Area 30 years ago.
“What a great decision. Culver City has the amenities of a big city the detriments of a big city, our own police force, fire department, refuse service, street repair, parks department.
“If someone needs t something done, it’s easy to find the right person. No offense to Los Angeles, I couldn’t imagine trading in Culver City for Los Angeles.”
The fact that Culver City is independent is one of the major reasons w Measure Y is so important,” Mr. Cooper told the group.
“Measure Y is about maintaining essential services, 9-1-1 emergency responses, paramedics, police, fire protection, funding for sidewalk and street repairs, parks, senior services, and after-school programs.
“Measure Y is a temporary tax. It expires in 10 years. The best part: All the revenue stays in Culver City. Equally important, the majority of the revenue comes from non-residents who shop and dining here. “
For context, Mr. Cooper offered a lesson in recent history.
“Since 2008,” he said, “Culver City has lost $4.5 million in state funding, $6 million in local revenue due to the economy and housing markets, and millions annually through Sacramento’s elimination of our Redevelopment Agency.
“These losses left the city unable to fund essential public services at the levels necessary to meet current and future needs. Already we have made significant cuts that most residents never will feel.
“The bad part is what happens if Measure Y doesn’t pass. The city will need to make more severe cuts to services, which could include reducing both fire and police levels, reducing or eliminating senior services, parks services, and street, sidewalk, and tree maintenance, to name just a few.”
For more on Measure Y, see http://www.yesonY.com.
Mr. Zeidman may be contacted at scott.zeidman@laslots.com
