Though promoting the need to keep “taxes local,” the proponents of Measure N (the Grass Valley sales tax initiative) spent $3,034, or all of the money for flyers, yard signs and direct mail cards, with out-of-area businesses, according to new campaign finance reports.
“Keep your tax in your community,” the mailer reads. (See below).
Though it could be dismissed as a “rookie-like mistake,” the decision also sends a mixed message to voters who are being asked to support Measure N at the polls on November 6.
Experienced local politicians, as well as prominent business and civic leaders are participating in the “Yes on N” campaign — not rookies. “Oversight” is a dominant campaign theme too.
The expenditures included $1,729 for a direct mail card to Sonic Print of Tampa, Fla.; $781 for 100 yard signs to E-Signs of Spring, Texas; and $524 for 5000 flyers to PS Print of Oakland.
Local outfits who can provide this service include 49er Direct Marketing of Grass Valley (which just had a Chamber ribbon cutting in May); and Solace Graphics in Grass Valley; among others.
In fact, Solace’s yard signs are cheaper — amounting to $5.67 each — according to finance reports for City Council candidate Jim Firth.
The money for the flyers, yard signs and direct mail card for Measure N came from $3,360 in contributions: Grass Valley Police Officers Association ($1,000); Nevada County Professional Firefighters Association ($500); Grass Valley Career Firefighters Association ($500).
Mill Street Clothing, owned by Council Member Lisa Swarthout ($500); Byers Enterprises ($250); the Quick Building, owned by Council candidate Howard Levine ($250); Anthony Clarabut ($200); Ed Thomas $50; and miscellaneous under $99 contributions totaling $110. There’s a balance of $326, the reports show.
Measure N proposes a 1/2 percent sales tax increase within the City of Grass Valley. Unlike “special taxes,” the proceeds of the taxes may be used for “any lawful purpose of the city,” according to the ordinance. A majority, not a 2/3rd vote, is required to pass the measure.
Proponents argue the money is designated for restoring core public safety services and repairing deteriorating city streets. Measure N will add an estimated $2.4 million dollars to the City budget in the first year.
Critics of Measure N worry about oversight of the funds and accountability. Many of them would support a “special tax” instead, requiring the 2/3rd vote.
If the Measure passes, funds will be governed by the City Council. The Council will ge guided by an independent “citizen’s oversight committee.”
The “Committee for Yes on Measure N” held a public meeting to discuss the merits of the measure earlier this month at the Nevada County Contractors Association.
(Click for larger image).
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My guess is that the “bonehead” decision to spend 100% of the campaign’s cash resources with out of the area companies was made by a few people sitting around a kitchen table. They not only did a disservice for the cause to help measure N, but it was a slap in the face to volunteers such as Ed Thomas, and the hard working firemen and police officers who kicked in $2,000.
I asked Russ Steele to weigh in on Meas N via his blog. He raises some cogent points. I bet GV will have the opportunity to say yes or no to a large retailer such as Target in the next 2-3 years. In 2007 GV had 4 new car dealerships – today they have none. GV needs to increase tax revenues by capturing tax dollars before they cross south over the Bear River.
Russ Steele on Meas N:
If I was a voter in Grass Valley I would not vote for the Measure N tax increase. Creating more jobs and more tax revenue should be the focus of the City Council, not raising taxes. Raising taxes are always the easy solution.
Grass Valley has made it very difficult for name band stores to come to the city. These are the stores that citizens drive to Auburn to shop in, thus the tax revenue goes to Auburn and Placer County.
At the October ERC Board Meeting the Union editor was asked about why they did not focus more on South County shoppers. He said they would be giving more focus to the area in an attempt to get more shopper to turn north, rather than south to Auburn. That is going to much harder to accomplish with the Auburn Sales tax at 7.25 and Grass Valley at 7.875. While the difference is not that much on a $50.00, it is a mental impression that GV and NC have higher taxes than Auburn. And, this disparity will not be lost on Auburn merchants, we will all see more ads making a marketing case for the difference if the tax measures pass.
Grass Valley has chosen to pick and choose the business it will allow in town and shoppers are not that interested in many of the choices. The City Council has created the negative business environment for name brand stores, now they need to live with the consequences. The citizens of Nevada County will continue to shop where they can buy the products they want in Auburn, especially with the Target becoming a One Stop Supper Store and Wall Mart opening real soon now. That is not going to help the situation with a growing tax differential.
I would vote NO on Measure N.