The following is an editorial sent to the lbpost.com by Long Beach Councilmember Rae Gabelich.
Dear Friends: Below is a copy of a letter from Mayor Foster asking you to support Measure I on November 4th. There is much rhetoric about how this should have been brought forward to both the council and the voters to which I mostly agree – however, the substance and opportunities that Measure I will give to improve the quality of life throughout our entire city is far more important than who can point the longest finger!
1) Some say it should be brought back two years from now with more input, yet the projects are already quite defined. We could be 20% into the improvements by then.
2) Personally, I do not think there is anyone on today’s council that could nor would commit to drive another campaign as Mayor Foster has done with Measure I.
We all know of the need – we drive the streets everyday, we know the condition of many of our sidewalks and alleyways. We visit our parks and see the outdated, broken down centers and restrooms. We read that our water quality rates the poorest in the region. We can visit our firestations and see that space is restricted and in many instances cannot hold the equipment of today. Etc, Etc, Etc.
With the support of 2/3 vote we have the opportunity to turn our city into what we dare to imagine. This is a big step towards that vision.
$10.00 per month / $120.00 per year to show our commitment to leaving Long Beach a better city for our children and their children.
If you are willing to place a yard sign at your home or place of business, please contact the campaign me and I will personally deliver it.
It does take the collective voice to move this mountain!!
Thanks,
Councilmember Rae Gabelich
P.S. As you read the other tax initiatives, realize that not one of them will improve the community that you live in. Where is the best place to commit your support?
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Investing In Our City — Yes on Measure I
Mayor Bob Foster
Long Beach has more than 400 miles of streets in disrepair — that’s the equivalent to the distance between Long Beach and San Francisco. Every day we wait, it gets more expensive — and if we don’t act soon, we may never be able to catch up. It’s like the old TV commercial: “Pay me now, or pay me later.”
On November 4th, our Long Beach voters have the opportunity to invest in our city by voting yes on Measure I.
Long Beach residents know that our infrastructure problems are not just confined to streets, but that it includes aging libraries and community centers, overflowing stormdrains, inadequate police and firefighter facilities, and crumbling sidewalks.
City staff, along with independent advisors, completed a full assessment of Long Beach’s infrastructure needs. They found that the City has an unmet need of $57 million per year, or approximately $571 million over the next 10 years.
On November 4th, voters can enact a special parcel tax that would be dedicated to funding our infrastructure needs. The tax would amount to $120 per year for all single-family residences, and be dedicated to only pay for infrastructure improvements. Senior and disabled residents can are exempt from the tax. To become law, this ballot measure needs to be approved by 2/3 of Long Beach voters.
This ballot measure would address our needs all across the City — and every area of Long Beach will receive a significant benefit. Here’s what the residents of Long Beach will get for their money:
* Repair or replacement of 400 miles of streets, 163 miles of sidewalks and 75 miles of alleyways;
* Construction or rehabilitation of 28 fire stations, a police substation and academy, four health facilities, 35 community centers, three parks, seven libraries and our main library;
* Improvement of water quality by upgrading more than 28 miles of storm drains and 3,000 catch basins;
* Acquisition and/or restoration of wetlands and open space.
It’s important to remember that under state law, special taxes like this one proposed in Measure I can only be used for specific purposes. This special parcel tax would be exclusively dedicated to infrastructure. Future Mayors or City Councils would be unable to use the funds for purposes unrelated to infrastructure. Measure I also creates a Citizens Oversight Commitee to set priorities for projects and is subject to annual independent audits by the City Auditor.
My experience in the public and private sector has taught me that any organization cannot thrive without investment. Much of the infrastructure we use today was built by the “Greatest Generation” and now its time for our City needs to make that kind of dramatic investment once again.
Please join me, former Governor George Deukmejian and the Long Beach Firefighters Association in support of Measure I on the November 4th ballot so our City can finally invest in itself and address this critical issue in a direct and comprehensive manner. I need your help to build the Long Beach of tomorrow.