Venturans to Decide on Three Controversial Ballot Measures This November

By Rebecca Wicks

Sept. 23, 2009

Ventura Breeze

Three hotly debated issues will appear on this November’s ballot – a half-cent sales tax increase, a view resources measure and an initiative aimed at limiting large retailers. What Venturans will decide is anyone’s guess however, proponents and opponents have been vocal and emerged in large numbers.

Measure A – Temporary Sales Tax Increase for the City

What it is: A temporary half-cent sales tax increase from 8.25 to 8.75 percent. The measure needs a simple majority to pass. It is estimated the increase will cost residents approximately $65-75 per year raising $8 million. The city plans to spend the money on public safety (40 percent); street repairs (35 percent); beaches (15 percent); the Wright Library (6 percent); and community partnerships (4 percent).

Supporter Stance: A number of high profile city leaders and groups have voiced support for Measure A among them Mayor Christy Weir and the police department union. Earlier this year the state announced it will take an additional $4 million from Ventura. Advocates for the measure say the money raised by Measure A would be money the state could not take and would be applied directly to city spending. The city has already cut $11 million in spending for this fiscal year and is concerned about being able to pay for vital services without additional monies raised.

Opposition Viewpoint: Many believe a tax hike in the current economy when many in the community are already struggling financially does not make sense. Others worry additional tax increases will deter spending harming local businesses.

Measure B – View Resources Board Initiative

What it is: Allows the process to preserve viewsheds by establishing a 23-member board appointed predominantly by VCORD whose job it will be to write a View Protection Ordinance (VPO). It also temporarily stops the approval of new developments over 26 feet high in specified areas until a VPO is approved either by the City Council or by voters.

Supporter Stance: Supporters want to ensure Venturan’s views to the hills are not obstructed by large buildings. In addition, backers of the measure worry about tall structures significantly shadowing smaller neighboring properties such as in the older Midtown area where homes are generally smaller in stature blocking sunlight needed for passive solar energy generation and conservation.

Opposition Viewpoint: Those who stand against Measure B claim they also cherish views in Ventura but feel the proposed initiative is not the best way to protect views. Naysayers are concerned that the board will be built in a biased fashion as the group’s members will be appointed by VCORD, the group who authored the measure. They also worry putting a stop to any new developments in Ventura sets a poor precedent and deters growth in the city.

Measure C: Limiting Large Retail

What it is: The measure prohibits new superstores larger than 90,000 square feet when more than three percent of the sales floor area offers non-taxable merchandise – essentially food. Wholesale clubs and stores selling primarily bulk merchandise and charging membership dues are exempt.

Supporter Stance: A yes on this measure essentially stops Wal-Mart from building a superstore on Victoria Avenue which some believe is best for Ventura. Those opposed to Wal-Mart believe it brings increased traffic both by patrons coming from outside the city as well as trucks delivering perishable goods, additional crime and ultimately less jobs because employees tend to commute. Supporters believe blocking a Walmart will in turn welcome retailers such as Best Buy or IKEA while still preserving the city’s unique character.

Opposition Viewpoint: Those against Measure C believe the initiative will not prevent Walmart, only a version of it. Those opposed point out that eliminating competition may increase grocery prices and point their fingers at grocery stores and their unions for trying to get rid of their competition. Still others believe by turning away Walmart Ventura only solidifies its image as a non-welcoming city for any new store or development setting an standard poised against economic growth

All three measures will be discussed at a forum held by the League of Women Voters, Ventura County on Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Aimed at better informing the public on these issues the forum will be moderated by David Maron, a LXVVC Voter Services Director.

Each issue will be presented by both an individual in favor and against the measure.

Measure A, Temporary Sales Tax Increase for the City --

Pro: Christy Weir, Mayor and City Council Member

Con: Don Facciano, Ventura County Taxpayers Association

Measure B, View Resources Board Initiative –

Pro: Diane Underhill, Member of Ventura Citizens Organization for Responsible Development (VCORD)

Con: Rob Corley, Chair of the City’s View ProtectionTask Force

Measure C, Limit Large Retail Initiative –

Pro: Nan Waltman, Chair, Livable Ventura

Con: Alison Carlson, Concerned Citizen

The forum will take place at Anacapa Middle School, 100 S. Mills Road, near Telegraph Road. Parking is available on site, entry from Mills Road.