Taxes, Term Limits And Healthcare, Oh My!

Ranging from a statewide vehicle fee to fund state parks to setting term limits on its water district board, the Palo Alto City Council laid out support Tuesday night for six state and regional ballot measures coming on November 2.

But they came out against statewide Proposition 27 , which will disband the Citizen's Redistricting Commission that voters created in 2008 and place state district redrawing back in the hands of elected politicians. The council had also planned to oppose Proposition 20, which will transfer U.S. Congressional district creation to the Citizen's Redistricting Commission if it passes, and if Proposition 27 fails. But at the last minute, the council took a neutral stand on Monday night. 

It's not uncommon for cities to take positions on voter-approved ballot initiatives and in the current election, Palo Alto's interests are at stake, Mayor Pat Burt said.

"We have to look at whether a proposition is going to benefit the city of Palo Alto and its residents," Burt said.  

If passed, Proposition 21 will levy an $18 vehicle license surcharge that's expected to generate $250 million annually for the protection and maintenance of state parks. Proposition 25 would knock down the state legislature's two-thirds requirement for passing a budget to a simple majority.  

Burt said all cities suffer from Sacramento's constant fiscal stalemate. A faster process means faster distribution of revenue to cities, Burt said.

On the regional front, the council is supporting a countywide parcel tax to fund medical service for children, ranging from regular check ups to emergency room care. If Measure A passes, a $29 tax is expected to generate $13-$14 million annually and will provide funding to the Healthy Kids Program, an arm of the Santa Clara Family Health Plan.

The council is also backing a $10 motor vehicle registration fee in Santa Clara County. Measure B, sponsored by the Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority, could generate roughly $14 million each year to fund traffic and transportation. The majority – 80 percent -- would focus on relieving traffic congestion, improving streets and "reduce toxic roadway runoff," according to the city's staff report. The remainder will fund new transportation programs and administration.

Term limits would take effect on the Santa Clara Valley Water District board, should voters pass Measure C. Members would term out after 12 consecutive years, or three terms.

Under Measure E, the Foothill-De Anza Community College District stands to gain $7 million annually for six years if a $69 parcel tax passes. The revenue will fund district operations.

Whether it's local community college students, underprivileged children on the Healthy Kids Program, or citizens getting better government from their water district board, all of the above actions will affect Palo Alto residents positively, the council agreed at its Sept. 27 meeting.