Letter: Support for Renewing the Parcel Tax

Editor: 

We are writing to support the renewal of the Municipal Services Parcel Tax (Measure Y) because we believe we cannot afford to abandon this important revenue source for our city. For over 30 years Piedmont voters have supported this tax which provides a locally-controlled revenue stream to the city General Fund to help support a wide variety of services. The services we expect and rely on are a big part of what makes Piedmont a jewel in the Bay area.

The issue at hand is whether we should continue to fund the services we want in our city, not whether we like or approve of every decision made by our City Council or city staff. Those who oppose renewing the parcel tax—some of whom seem to have been for it before they were against it—are employing red herrings and other distractions by trying to link their dissatisfaction with public decision making to renewing funding for services.  

From where we sit it seems like a classic example of cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Voting against renewing the parcel tax will not punish the decision makers, nor reform city decision making; rather, it will harm individual residents of Piedmont with service cutbacks.  If Piedmont residents want to do something about local governance, they should focus on that.  To focus their anger and frustration on an essential revenue stream is misguided and will contribute to a decrease in the quality of life for Piedmont citizens.

Let’s assure that Piedmont remains the high quality city we have all come to appreciate and join us by voting yes on Measure Y. 

Rick and Amal Smith
Piedmont 

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