In Support of Measure V V for San Leandro

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I know many in San Leandro have mixed feelings about Measure V V, but I hope you'll join me in supporting it. Here is a letter I sent to the San Leandro Times in favor of V V.
Dear Editor -
These are truly challenging times. Many of us have lost our jobs or had to take pay cuts, businesses have permanently closed, students, parents and teachers are adjusting to distant learning, more San Leandrans than ever are relying on local food pantries to feed their families, and many in the community want to see significant reforms undertaken in our police department.
In that sense, it's a terrible time to ask voters to approve a tax measure. But it’s also a terrible time for San Leandro to go into a downward spiral.
This is a real risk. Covid-19 has dealt a sudden, direct hit on city finances. It is critical that we maintain City services and programs that are helping San Leandrans stay safe and survive the pandemic. This is why I am supporting Measure V V.
Measure V V is not an ongoing property tax. Most San Leandrans in any given year will not pay the tax as it is collected one time only, when property is bought/sold. Plus, corporations and large businesses will pay the largest assessments, not small business owners and homeowners.
The tax, called a real property transfer tax, is already on the books. San Leandro has the lowest real property transfer tax among eligible cities in Alameda County. It has not been raised in 27 years. Even with Measure V V, San Leandro’s tax will remain among the lowest in the County.
All the funds raised by Measure V V will stay in San Leandro to support city services vital to our quality of life. Please join me in voting Yes on Measure V V.
Location: San Leandro, CA, USA

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