Opposition to Proposed Sales Tax
Last updated 5/2/2016 at 1:27pm
Based on concerns about its details, there is broad opposition to a new San Diego sales tax proposed for November’s ballot. A coalition of more than 20 community-based, regional organizations (representing 150,000 San Diego residents) is opposing the new tax proposed by San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
At a rally on April 26, people from around San Diego and members of the Quality of Life coalition called on SANDAG to prioritize good jobs and mass transit projects before it asks voters to support a raise in the county sales tax. Less than 24 hours later, Mayor Kevin Faulconer came out against the sales tax. The next day, San Diego City Council President Sherri Lightner followed suit in a public statement. Despite the rapidly growing bipartisan opposition, SANDAG voted on Friday to move forward with the proposal.
For months, San Diego residents and community leaders urged SANDAG to prioritize funding for projects that promote clean air, better transit, good jobs, and dedicated funding for Youth Opportunity Transit Passes. Since these projects were not part of the proposal, the coalition must oppose the measure.
Coalition leaders are pointing out the overwhelming opposition for a tax measure, making it unlikely to win at the ballot box. “We want to work with SANDAG, but they can’t win a tax measure without broad community support,” said Nicole Capretz, Executive Director of the Climate Action Campaign.
The Quality of Life Coalition is a new, coordinated effort committed to investing public money in a socially and environmentally equitable manner to build a vibrant, inclusive economy that lifts up families, creates healthier communities and addresses climate change. QLC includes: Environmental Health Coalition, Climate Action Campaign, San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO, IBEW Local 569, Circulate San Diego, Sierra Club, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, Bike San Diego, Mid-City Community Action Network, San Diego 350, Community Budget Alliance, Center on Policy Initiatives, San Diego Coastkeeper, League of Conservation Voters San Diego, Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation, AFT Local 1931, The Surfrider Foundation, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 230, Environmental Center of San Diego, San Diego Audubon Society and Preserve Calavera.
