By Stephanie Glaser, Citrus Heights–
Residents in Citrus Heights are strong supporters of public safety, vibrant neighborhoods and economic opportunity. That’s why there is so much community support for Measure M, which will provide the resources needed to continue to fund these local priorities and ensure local control of our city’s future.
Citrus Heights has a long history of being self-reliant and fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars, having balanced its budget 18 years in a row. But the current pandemic-induced recession has put our city in shut down mode. The city has frozen hiring, made cuts to city services, and layoffs of city staff and police officers are looming ahead of us.
Measure M: Citrus Heights council votes 4-1 to put $12M sales tax increase on ballot
The pandemic has forced many households and business owners to make financial sacrifices. City government is also becoming leaner and more efficient. But, ultimately, Citrus Heights residents have to ask themselves if maintaining our public safety and other essential city service is worth an additional penny of sales tax. I believe the answer is a resounding yes.
We cannot rely on the state or the federal government to maintain our streets, keep our community safe, or revive our beloved Sunrise Mall. But by putting skin in the game, Measure M will help Citrus Heights get its fair share of government matching funds to improve our community.
Critically, Measure M helps stop the bleeding. Unlike typical government revenue, every single penny of voter-approved Measure M funds is guaranteed to stay here in Citrus Heights. It cannot be taken away by the state and spent elsewhere.
That’s why I’ll be supporting Measure M this November and I’m urging my neighbors to do the same.
LETTER: If Citrus Heights sales tax goes up, it’s worth it to shop in Placer County
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