IF MEASURE S PASSES, FULLERTON WILL BE LESS COMPETITIVE.

Measure S - except from: https://fullertonobserver.com/2020/10/06/city-council-measures-s-and-u-campaign-finances/#comment-12436

Of the two measures placed on the ballots of Fullerton voters by the City Council, Measure S is the more contentious. It is a 1.25% sales tax increase that will go into the general fund. Arguments submitted in support of S say the sales tax will “repair our local streets” and “maintain fast 911 emergency response times.” Opponents argue it will make Fullerton’s sales tax rate the second highest in the County and the tax “is not dedicated to fix Fullerton streets,” and “could be used for anything.”

Fullerton Taxpayers for Reform was originally formed to support the successful recall of 3 City Council members in 2012. Since then, the PAC has taken positions for and against other issues in the City, most recently opposing Measure S. One $5,000 contribution from the Maverick Theatre owner has been added to the PAC’s $4,878 balance prior to Measure S.

By contrast, the Yes on S campaign has garnered a $500 contribution from the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce, $4,999 from John Phelps, and $10,000 each from Fullerton Firefighters Association and Fullerton Police Officers Association PACs.

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IF MEASURE S PASSES, FULLERTON WILL BE LESS COMPETITIVE. - Gary Graves

I am a local business owner and past president of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, which is now known as the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Inexplicably, the Chamber is supporting the new sales tax increase for Fullerton businesses and citizens. Why would a Chamber of Commerce support a sales tax increase that will make their member businesses less competitive? Perhaps it is because their board of directors are represent large corporations that primarily do business with the government. (https://www.nocchamber.com/pages/BoardofDirectors) Apparently, the Chamber’s support for small businesses that make up the character and life-blood of our city is gone.

Mayor Fitzgerald, who is also a past-president of the Chamber, helped write the Chamber’s public policy guide, a guiding document governing public policy positions supported by the chamber. I don’t recall the support of increased taxes that would make Fullerton businesses less competitive as being one of these guiding principles.. It is the Chamber’s primary mission to look out for the economic well-being of its members. The extra money will go into the city’s general fund where the City Council can spend the funds for any municipal purpose, including salaries and burgeoning public employee pension expenses. I am shocked the Chamber’s board of directors would support such a proposal. If this measure passes, we will have the second highest sale tax rate in Orange County. We need the old, Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, who was loyal to Fullerton small businesses back. Perhaps we will get that when the executive director finally retires. #KeepFullertonCompetitive #TellTheChamber-NO!