A proposal from City Manager Dennis Wilberg recommends the Council endorse an Internet Sales Tax at its meeting on Monday. The issue is part of a State “legislative platform” proposed by the Council in concert with the California League of Cities.
Most other issues are designed to enhance local control. One item proposes opposition to plans which would go beyond the status quo requiring agencies to justify the withholding of public records. Another favors federal and state grants to build low income housing. The list can be viewed by clicking here.
The City has a contract with a professional lobbying firm to represent it in Sacramento.
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Dispatch: Can you please tell us what the driver is for this proposal?
Last time I checked the Council was touting our reserves. Does this mean we have a revenue shortfall? If so where are spending cuts proposed?
We have a city council that SAYS they are conservative Republicans with one Democrat, yet they appear to be endorsing additional taxation. Hardly a conservative position. Maybe that’s why the OC Republican group refused to endorse some of them last election.
[Editor's Note: The City Manager's rationale is to put internet commerce on the same basis as brick-and-mortar businesses - supposedly he thinks more sales tax will then flow from residents to the City.]
This will be a test to see if our elected city council can demonstrate being conservative when being asked to impose a new tax on our residents and visitors who patronize Mission Viejo.
Check out their last candidate statements to see if they pledged to oppose tax increases. Practice what you preach applies here.
If we were more conservative with our spending, there wouldn’t be a need to try to impose new taxes. Let’s not spend what we don’t have.
Let’s watch which council members support this measure and then remember it when election time rolls around.
Nov 4, 2008 election. Frank Ury’s Candidate Statement reads: “Oppose any tax increases.”
Nov 2, 2010 election. Rhonda Reardon’s Candidate Statement reads: “As a fiscal conservative, I will oppose Charter City government, new taxes, and will trim expenses if necessary.”
Re: Members Kelley, Leckness and Schlicht. While their position on voting approval of taxes was not mentioned in their Candidate Statements, in my discussion with Member Schlicht I can report that she opposes all tax increases.
Again. Let’s see how they react to this Agenda item.