Measure R is a Trojan Horse, and it’s being pushed with the same deceitful scare tactics as before. The reality is that R will replace two current parcel taxes that do not expire until 2009 and 2011; only this new tax will be open-ended and adjusted for inflation. That means the district has even less accountability than before. No matter how reckless the district’s behavior, voters will be stuck with this permanent tax increase forever. No expiration means no accountability.
Does Malibu really want to reduce the accountability of a school district that screwed us with Prop. BB? Do we really want to further empower Santa Monica renters, backed by the radical, Malibu-hating Santa Monicans for Renters Rights (SMRR), to raise our taxes so they can fix Santa Monica schools at Malibu’s expense? Apparently SMRR thinks Malibu is made of money, like a piggy bank they can pillage any time they want by force of votes. Only this time, they need a two-thirds majority which means Malibu just might have the leverage to derail this ridiculous tax increase if we rally against it together.
Not surprisingly, the pro-R crowd has mostly avoided lobbying Malibu voters with the crafty exception of seniors, whom they’re trying to lull with promises that seniors won’t pay. But what’s to stop them from pulling another fast one in two or four years when Santa Monica’s fast-growing population of renters finally gives them the edge to pass any measure, regardless of how Malibu votes?
Don’t believe the lies! Malibu seniors are not safe! Santa Monica is accelerating its growth, Malibu is trying to hold the line on growth. In just a few years, Santa Monica will be able to impose any tax they want, and Malibu will be powerless to stop it.
Malibu is finally moving toward formation of its own school district, a reality that could easily happen in just three to four years. If we want Santa Monica to take us seriously and play ball, the pro-R extortionists need to be sent a clear message. Vote “no” on R.
Wade Major