Adding to a laundry list of small business groups formally opposed to Prop D, today the North County Chamber of Commerce announced its opposition to Prop D. (See below for press release)
Prop D is clarifying what groups stand for real reform and prosperity in our region. Want to add your name or your organization to our growing coalition opposed to Prop D? Contact TJ Zane, or visit www.StopTheSalesTax.com
-Carl DeMaio
Editorial Release
San Diego North Chamber Opposes Proposition D
August 25, 2010
By Debra Rosen, President and CEO, San Diego North Chamber of Commerce
The decline in the economy has undoubtedly contributed to the financial challenges at the City of San Diego, the State of California and the Federal Government. That said, now is not the time to consider raising the sales tax on the citizens and businesses of San Diego. Most families and businesses have tightened their budgets as much as possible and a sales tax increase will only harm their livelihood further.
Proposition D, which would implement a half cent sales tax in the city of San Diego will only deepen the economic hardship for both residents and businesses.
After a moderated forum with Councilmembers Todd Gloria and Carl DeMaio at the chamber’s Public Policy meeting, the committee and the Board of Directors took a position to oppose Proposition D because of the lack of guaranteed benchmarks, and clarity of where funds would be allocated.
Furthermore, members of the San Diego North Chamber are concerned with the lack of guarantees in place as to where the money raised through a sales tax increase will be allocated. Money said to be raised to fund vital services could in the future be used to pay inflated pension debt and other obligations. Like the businesses and citizens of San Diego, the city needs to live within its budget and not abdicate its responsibilities.
One of the proposed reforms in Proposition D would implement the managed competition initiative to force city departments to compete against private businesses for city services. However, in 2006, the citizens of San Diego voted to approve this initiative, a process that could save the city millions of dollars. We believe this initiative should be implemented and not held up by proponents of Prop D as their rational for leveraging the businesses and citizens of San Diego.
Higher tax rates in San Diego will have the unintended consequence of driving commerce from the region, causing an even more detrimental climate for business and further perpetuating a cycle where a tax increase becomes necessary.
For more information contact the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce at (858) 487-1767.
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The San Diego North Chamber of Commerce is the third-largest chamber in San Diego County representing 1,000 member businesses along the I-15 corridor. It ensures sustainable prosperity through its programs, services and events. For additional information, please visit sdncc.com.