June 28th Item #27 - 2018 Bond

[Genoveva Rodriguez]

Colleagues,

I will be pulling the bond item for the work session and would like to share my thoughts on where the conversation should begin.

I am supportive of a bond being placed on the November ballot. I have personally seen and heard from constituents the absolute need we have for infrastructure improvements and upgrades. That said, it is imperative that the bond amount does not give folks ‘sticker shock’ as they weigh the needs versus a tax increase.

This is an opportunity to focus on some extremely important items in our city that may not be important to everyone, such as flood mitigation, street repairs not on corridors, needed investment in existing cultural centers and funds to support income accessible housing throughout our community.

I expect that voters will prioritize what’s important to them and leave out much needed infrastructure citywide that is at risk of failing.

If we could discuss and agree on the cost and tax impact, then we could work collaboratively toward a feasible and necessary bond program that has the best chance of being approved by the voters.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Council Member Houston

[Alison Alter]

CM Houston,

I agree that it would be useful to discuss the cost and tax impact early in the bond discussion tomorrow. I also share your desire to be in a position to make the investments our city needs at this time via successful bond propositions.

Regards,
Alison Alter

[Louisa Brinsmade]

On behalf of CM Pool:

Colleagues:

I agree that we have an opportunity to address critical needs for infrastructure, parks and open space, affordable housing, and to make overdue investments in our community centers and recreation facilities. And I want to echo my CM Houston's and CM Alter's comments about the need to put forward a bond package that has the best chance for success. I am also interested in digging more into the long-term implementation costs associated with this bond, and making certain we have a plan for how those costs will be addressed.

I look forward to our discussion tomorrow and trying to find that balance.

Leslie Pool