Doug Estes: Trying to make Measure G simpler to understand

Re “Hearing set in sales tax lawsuit” (Page A4, Aug. 13): Why waste tax dollars fighting a lawsuit over the wording of Measure G? Tell the voters what the initiative says in plain language and let the voters decide. If you try to trick them, they will vote no. Her is my suggestion:

A half-percent general sales tax increase initiative: Though this is a general-fund tax increase, and can be spent on any city of Modesto general government purpose, the current city council says it will be used to make neighborhoods safer by restoring police patrols, crime prevention, gang suppression and youth development efforts; removing tagging; reducing nuisance properties; strengthening fire/emergency services; increasing neighborhood collaboration; and maintaining other general city services. Shall the City of Modesto enact a half-percent general sales tax that cannot be taken by the state, expires in 8 years and requires annual audits, reports by a citizen oversight board and all funds to be spent in Modesto?

This story was originally published August 14, 2015 at 5:36 PM with the headline "Doug Estes: Trying to make Measure G simpler to understand."