3 Arguments For And Against Prop. D
A lot’s being said about the half-cent sales tax increase being proposed for San Diego. We break it down into three arguments for the increase -- and three against it.
A lot’s being said about the half-cent sales tax increase being proposed for San Diego. The sales tax would last for five years and generate over $100 million annually for the city.
Supporters say the tax would:
- Help maintain core city services.
- Help restore cuts to public safety.
- Require fiscal reforms before the tax could be collected.
But opponents of the tax say:
- The reforms are too vague.
- There’s no guarantee the money would go toward public safety.
- The measure doesn’t address San Diego’s rising pension payments.
So which side is more likely to sway voters?
Political Science Professor Carl Luna said the advantage goes to the opponents
"The con is always stronger on tax increase. People want to have a compelling reason why they’re going to have their taxes go up," he said.
Luna said if voters reject the measure they’ll get less government and lower taxes. But he said they’ll also have to accept fewer city services, like shorter library hours and longer fire-response times.
