Position Paper: Utility Tax Extension

By Thomas F. Palmeri

The important issue is planning for either spending it wisely or living without it, drastic cuts are not necessary.

The important issue is planning for either spending it wisely or for living without it and adjust spending accordingly.

I pledge to implement your decision.

I am the only candidate that trusts you, the Covina Resident, to make a sound decision. Whether or not I support or oppose the tax is not the important issue. The fact is all the other candidates have a one sided stance and won't commit to what they will do if the voters decide otherwise.

It's the voters like you who will decide this important issue.

My pledge regarding the Utility Tax Extension:

If the voters decide to pass: I pledge to spend it wisely and keep it at a minimum, assuming the tax rate is not fixed.

If it does not pass: The current tax will still remain until 2009, the city claims to have a $2.5 million budget deficit and is in the process of installing red light cameras at 3 intersections. Each intersection is expected to bring in $600,000 or $1.8 million for all three. The situation is not grim and drastic cuts are not necessary. I will protect public safety if the tax extension fails.

The top three priorities for either expanding services if the tax passes or protection if the tax fails is as follows: 1. Public Safety - Police, Paramedics, and Fire, 2. Street Maintenance, 3. Quality of Life - Parks, Senior Center, Library.

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune said in its endorsement of me 2/11/03:

"Thomas Palmeri ought to be returned to the Covina dais. A fiscal conservative, Palmeri often is the lone voice pointing out the emperor's in the buff. When the economy nose-dives as it did in the early '90s, much as now it's prudent to have a penny pincher on board.

That's not to say that Palmeri doesn't realize that the onerous utility tax, set to expire in 2009, isn't still needed. Palmeri, however, believes the council should prepare for the tax loss now and if warranted, put the question to voters before the situation reaches critical mass, i.e. before the city is staring down this $4 million-plus loss.

Palmeri, however, looks to aggressive economic development as a means to eventually retire the tax. Preparing for life beyond the next election. We like that in a leader."

Endorsement from Mayor Dave Truax 11/12/06

"I served with Tom Palmeri on the Covina City Council from 1999 until 2003. What I like most about Tom is that he knows his way around the city budget. Tom can be trusted to spend our limited tax revenue on programs and services that the citizens of Covina have said are highest priority, and he will help make certain that city programs and services run efficiently and remain effective. I heartily endorse Tom Palmeri for Covina City Council. Mayor David Truax (ret.)"