Measure GG: Not a good deal for Newark

Various Newark mailers have promoted Measure GG, which raises the sales tax in Newark by 1/2 percent for the next 25 years. The City claims GG is for the replacement of public facilities and to fund vague improvements to other facilities and services.

One promised purpose for funds is towards our police, whom already have three sources of revenue besides the City's general fund: the Lake and Rosemont Area Association (LARA); the Utility Users Tax, passed (and extended) several years ago; and the Newark Betterment Corporation, a non-profit run out of city hall by our City Manager. Now, the City is saying GG is needed for the same purpose.

Oddly, the City estimates developers will only put $10 million towards the project, whereas Newark residents will be paying $119 million to $127 million over 25-years. This is an excessive waste of public dollars when building construction is only $64 million.

The City mentions a citizen’s oversight committee will oversee spending. Nonetheless, the City will: select who serves on the Committee, decide how often or how thoroughly members are informed and if they will have any enforcement powers. Additionally, since this proposal is a general tax measure where funds are placed in the general fund, legally, money can go to any governmental purpose.

The City claims placing school district administration at the civic center site is a benefit. However, right now, the School District owns the property where its administrative offices are located. Therefore, the School District does not pay rent; but if GG passes, the District will have to pay the City for leasing.

The City claims their consultants found alternatives to cost more than building anew. But, the consultants only studied an irrational 30-year lease for buildings. More reasonable is studying a 10 or 15-year lease. This allows for phased construction minimizing interest from loans and can provide enough years to build a reserve. Additionally, the consultants failed to get a free estimate from an actual contractor; instead deciding to generalize costs from a renovated library in Palo Alto and a new library in Half Moon Bay, without considering the difference of needs for a library with the three cities.

The City claims its proposal will build the sense of community. Yet, our current Newark library is attached to a community park. It is far away from traffic and provides a safe and convenient location for children and families. GG moves the library along noisy Newark Blvd and forces patrons to cross a street to reach the park.

In 1989, Fremont’s City Hall was severely damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake. Consequently, they temporarily leased out to commercial buildings and began saving up a reserve fund for rebuilding. They carefully accomplished this without creating additional debt or needing new taxes. After that same quake, extraordinarily, our City Hall was undamaged and remains usable decades later.

Ultimately, this proposal is a senseless and unfair deal for Newark. Vote No and demand a more honest and fiscally accountable plan.