Bruce R. Frohman: Voters must pay close attention to agruments for a road tax

Thank you for printing the excellent articles (“There are no offramps from Measure L” and “For safer and better roads, our county needs Measure L”) and editorial (“If you want better roads, fewer potholes, you have to vote for Meassure L”) on Measure L on Oct. 8. The voter handbook states that local government may borrow against anticipated tax revenue from the measure in order to immediately start road work.

The “pay as you go” funding method of road building may be replaced by “borrow against the future”; the next generation can pay for today’s roads. Whenever a pro-growth faction gains control of a city council, developer subsidies creep into budgets. Most cities in Stanislaus County are dominated by the faction. Taxpayer funds are referred to as “seed money.”

Regardless of promises, some Measure L funds will be used to provide subsidies. Accounting practices justify plenty of unfortunate decisions. The informed voter has the opportunity to weigh the pros and cons and decide in his own best interest. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read all of the discussion, especially the voter handbook.

This story was originally published October 14, 2016 at 9:49 AM with the headline "Bruce R. Frohman: Voters must pay close attention to agruments for a road tax."