Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Quality of Life

Chamber Of Commerce Endorses SANDAG Tax Increase Measure

A portrait of former mayor Jerry Sanders, now the CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Jan. 5, 2015.
Angela Carone
A portrait of former mayor Jerry Sanders, now the CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Jan. 5, 2015.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday endorsed Measure A, which would increase the countywide sales tax by a half-cent to pay for infrastructure projects.

"Measure A fixes our roads, creates capacity and freedom of movement for our residents and goods, and propels the growth of the economy throughout the region," said Jerry Sanders, the chamber's president and CEO.

Two-thirds of voters would need to vote "yes" in the November election for the proposition, which is sponsored by the San Diego Association of Governments, to pass.

Advertisement

The $18 billion raised over the next several decades by the tax hike would pay for freeway improvements, better public transportation, pothole repairs and open space preservation.

The San Diego County Taxpayers Association has also endorsed Measure A. It has run into opposition from San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and environmental groups, among others.