Measure M discussion on KOCE TV
As I reported last week Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle and I were interviewed by KOCE transportation reporter Pat Haslam. Although that exchange took over 30 minutes, the edited and produced version runs for about two and a half minutes. As such many of the comments by both the Proponent and the Opponent were not aired last night or this morning.
Let me also state that KOCE is funded in part by the OCTA. This is not to say that they have any bias in their coverage on this critical issue. As you watch their programs you will see opening footage of our county transportation system.
For those who missed last nights Real Orange Program, or this mornings rebroadcast, let me provide a transcript of the exchange.
Pat opened by telling the viewers that “Measure M is the County’s half cent sales tax devoted exclusively for transportation.”
He opens the exchange by stating “supporters say it’s critical to continue expanding the County’s infrastructure to maintain our economic growth.”
Mayor Pringle follows by saying: “so now the number one call on those dollars will be to widen virtually every freeway to the widest possible width within the existing right of way–not where your taking homes and businesses–but widening immediately within that right-of-way on the 405 and the 57 and the 91 and the 5 and others.”
He follows by stating “as jobs come here we can put hands over our eyes and say–hey–we don’t want to –address economic growth–but someone else take care of it–there’s nobody else–we’re it. Or you can contemplate what cities do–one-third of Measure M goes to cities for street and road repairs.”
Pat follows by saying : “but as you might expect not everyone is crazy about the additional tax–which would collect $11.8 billion dollars over 30 years.”
Let me pause for a minute to say that both Curt and my remarks were edited. Although the text may be continuous it may appear a little choppy. I thank Pat and KOCE editors did a job cutting 30 minutes to less than three.
My response as aired.”We collect $ four billion dollars in this state for fuel taxes-which is supposed to be used for our roads. If that’s true, than the federal government get somewhere around maybe $ four and a half billion dollars–there is money that going to be available to us because Prop 1 A is going to pass–which is going to protect our fuel tax money from going into the General Fund.”
Pat than mentioned the state and federal taxes which is followed by my next comments.
“You need to have the private sector as a partner. We’re not going to be able to do this on our own. And to think that we can just keep taxing ourselves–as I say–we pay taxes to the state–we pay taxes to the federal –we’re tacking on another tax–again–aside from the people who pay to use the toll roads.
So we’re overtaxed now–and for our legislative representatives to say that –well-we’re just never going to see the money from Sacramento is a cop out.”
Note: I quoted Transportation Secretary Norman Minetta, sadly off camera, where he agreed with me, or should I say I agree with him, that we need to engage in private/public partnerships to deal with the future as it relates to transportation. I quoted from Reason Foundation reports of successful partnerships such as Toronto where they have a $2.6 billion, 67 mile road that handles 300,000 cars per day. Other partnered systems can be found in Britain, Paris, Melbourne and Stockholm. As Reason Foundation policy analyst Ted Balaker wrote “Government Solutions of the ’50s Won’t Fix Traffic Problems Today.” He’s right!
A challenge to the honorable mayor Curt Pringle or Pat Haslam. We were all there. Please feel free to add your comments to this transcript or my additional notes.
Your inputs are welcome and appreciated for our readers. Thank you.\Larry Gilbert, Co-author Rebuttal to Measure M. www.NoMtax.com
Larry, as you know I am against Measure M.
However, I do think the pro-M people do have a point that there is no way in hell to get the legislature to pass back to Orange County our fair share of transportation dollars. Secondly, without measure M money we would not get the money that we do get.
So my question to you is, can you give me a scenario in which the Democratic Party looses control of the legislature?
Redistricting is dead and because of changing demographics Republicans will NEVER take control of the California Legislature. This means that as long as we are a Republican county, we will never see our fair share of transportation money.
The only solution that I see is for a third party that draws votes from both Democratic voters and Republican voters starts to grow to the point that they win causing Democrats to feel threatened. Then and only then will we get real reform. Yes this may be delusional, but thinking that there will be an end to our status as a donor county is equally delusional.
Larry, I know it will be a long time before we see results, but as far as I can see the Libertarian Party is the only hope for reform. Can I send you a membership application and voter registration form?
If anyone else is interested in the LP, please come to the Carl Strauss Brewery over by the Metro Point Shopping Center this Sunday at 1:30 PM. Our candidate for Governor, Art Olivier, will be there as well as other candidates.
Andy Favor
73rd Assembly District Candidate
Good afternoon Andy.
At today’s luncheon meeting with Diamond Bar Assemblyman/Transportation Vice Chairman Bob Huff he confirmed that if Prop 1 A passes, our current fuel taxes, that are currently being raided and co-mingled in the General Fund, would be protected for transportation needs. No one on the YES side have referenced that strong possibility in any of their debates or literature.
During the discussion I had Bob look at my Sample Ballot Book, and it truly is a BOOK, after stating that each side was allowed to write 300 word arguments followed by 250 word rebuttals. Those in attendance, including Assemblyman Huff, were amazed at the inclusion of 33 pages of BIASED text from OCTA which I reminded them was printed and mailed at taxpayer expense. At that time I also handed him today’s OC Register editorial which basically covered the same argument. I will not post the Assemblyman’s comments.
As to gubernatorial candidate Art Olivier. With Art being a regular attendee, I had expected to see him at the meeting but he must be on the campaign trail.
PS: I respect your plug for the Libertarian Party. However, in addressing Orange County and surrounding area transportation needs “Government Solutions Of The ’50s Won’t Fix Traffic Problems Today.” Source. Ted Balaker, Reason Foundation policy analyst, Investor Business Daily, June 7, 2006.
Best regards.
Larry