Letter: Support Measure I-24 for continued city services and improvements
Dear community members,
– I am writing to express my support for Measure I-24, which will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. As a current chairperson and three-year Supplemental Sales Tax Committee (SST) member, I can offer valuable insight into this measure’s importance. My perspective is shaped by my role on the SST Committee and my experience and volunteerism in this community. As a resident of Paso Robles for 16 years and of North County for over three decades, I have a profound understanding of our community’s needs and potential, thanks to my previous role as an educator in this area.
The revenue generated from Measures E-12 and J-20, which you approved through your votes, is allocated for essential community improvements. These include expanding our emergency services, increasing staffing for fire, police, and paramedic departments, and enhancing city infrastructure, focusing on road repairs. Measure I-24, a proposal for extending Measure E-12, which is set to expire in March, is a crucial step towards ensuring the continuation of these vital community services and improvements without any additional financial burden on city residents. Your current tax rates will remain unchanged, and the approval of Measure I-24 will guarantee the continuation of these essential services.
The SST Committee, established by the ballot measure requirements, is vital in providing oversight and advising the city council regarding the funds’ expenditures. I can certify that the allocated resources are utilized effectively and aligned with the voters’ intentions. The city has hired additional police and fire personnel, reducing the response time on emergency calls, paramedics, and emergency equipment, and contributed to building our new fire station. This demonstrates the responsible and effective use of the funds, ensuring that your taxes are being put to good use.
I invite all concerned citizens to attend our SST Committee meetings and engage in the same rigorous inquiry process we undertake. The city staff has diligently provided comprehensive expenditure documents for the six-year roadway plans and has addressed numerous questions from our committee members that many in our community share.
I have had the chance to attend several forums where potential city council candidates have spoken. While many have highlighted road infrastructure as a critical issue, I have observed that some candidates are not fully informed about the complexities of this matter. It is worth noting that council members Steve Gregory and Sharon Roden are liaisons to our SST Committee. Their consistent involvement has shown strong support for our work and has equipped them with a thorough understanding of these critical issues.
Given the importance of informed leadership and continued progress on our city’s infrastructure, I strongly encourage voters to support both Measure I-24 and the candidacies of Steve Gregory and Sharon Roden for the city council. Their experience and dedication to these matters position them well to address our city’s needs effectively. I urge all residents to become actively involved in this process. Your engagement is crucial in shaping the future of our wonderful city.
Sincerely,
Jim Fotinakes
SST Committee Chairperson
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