Measure CW is a thinly-veiled property tax increase. Enough is enough. Do not be stampeded by fear.
No writing supports the amount allegedly needed.
Exactly how will our monies be used? Where are the documents by which Culver City projected the amount of funds allegedly needed? None has been provided—a definite red flag. Show us the numbers. Tell us the underlying assumptions. We might trust, but need to verify.
The world will not end if Measure CW is rejected.
Please don’t succumb to specious arguments geared to generate fear. Two million dollars per year would not send Culver City into a financial abyss. Near-apocalyptic warnings concerning cuts in services only mask fiscal irresponsibility and waste. For instance, why not cut those numerous $200,000-$300,000 employee-benefit packages?
Measure CW lacks effective enforcement.
We are not protected if the City Council uses the money for other purposes. The ordinance does not require an “independent” CPA or a “certified” audit. Nor does it require that Culver City publicly inform us of the results of any “annual audit.”
The City Council unilaterally can change the ordinance.
“The City Council is hereby authorized to adopt additional provisions consistent with the intent of this Ordinance and to amend the provisions of this Ordinance without voter approval….” (Emphasis added.) However, “consistent with the intent of this Ordinance” means whatever three City Council members say it means. CW’s passage would forever open our wallets and pocketbooks to the politicos residing in City Hall.
This property tax increase is forever.
There is no sunset clause. The new tax would “generat[e] approximately $2,000,000 annually until ended by voters.” But there is no readily available means for voters to get the issue back on a ballot. That means, whether or not the money is needed, we’ll pay.
Vote “No” on measure CW.
Mr. Greenberg may be contacted at LGreenberg@LGEsquire.com
