Theodore Mills: There are many problems with “Measure” G

Re “City Eyes Panel for Measure G” (Page 1A, Sept. 7): There’s a difference between a measure and an initiative. A measure comes from government, initiatives come from neighbors. Even the Bee refers to G as a measure though our City Council masquerades it as an initiative.

A general tax only requires 51 percent voter approval. Once enacted, the money can be spent for anything the council wishes. The Safer Neighborhoods Initiative sounds specific, but a specific tax requires 67 percent voter approval.

The so-called “oversight panel” adds another layer of bureaucracy, which we cannot afford. That ship will have already sailed; the money spent prior to any oversight on spending.

This council’s willingness to pick the pockets of taxpayers is amazing. This same bunch “found” $8.1 million in extra funds due the mystery of the budgeting process in 2015. The Council wasted no time in spending all that money, without any oversight.

Finally, the fact that up to four council seats (including Hizzoner) may be replaced at the next election cries for voters to reject the latest attempt to tax citizens. Who knows what the new council agenda will be? Maybe the new bunch will use G money to subsidize the Downtown Business Owners association dues.

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 12:58 PM with the headline "Theodore Mills: There are many problems with “Measure” G."