All in all, one feels the straightforward approach, favored by a few perceptive pubic leaders, would have a better opportunity to carry the day for the arena as honesty often is, still, the best policy.
An excerpt.Arena tough sell to small cities
Even with backers' promises to share sales tax, many suburban officials oppose ballot measures or remain skeptical.
By Mary Lynne Vellinga and Terri Hardy -- Bee Staff WritersPublished 12:01 am PDT Sunday, August 20, 2006
Proponents of the plan to build a new Kings arena in the downtown railyard are counting on leaders from Sacramento County's smaller cities to help sell the idea to voters for the Nov. 7 election.
But most of the suburban politicians recently contacted by The Bee said they either oppose the proposal to pay for the arena by raising the sales tax or still have unanswered questions about how it will affect the financial health of their communities.
"We've all got our own budgets to worry about," said Folsom City Councilwoman Kerri Howell, who described herself as "on the fence."
Strong backers are sprinkled around the region. Rancho Cordova City Council members, for example, have been vocal in their support for the ballot measure. Still, some local leaders who back the plan said they don't plan to spend much time campaigning for it. Those who do plan to get involved say doing so carries substantial political risk, because they believe so many of their constituents are opposed.
"This is important enough that I'm willing to speak out, but I give due respect to those who are opposed," said Folsom Mayor Andy Morin, who is running for re-election. "This issue really generates some very extreme passion."
Proponents said they need support from around the region and that outright opposition in the suburbs could hurt the chances for passage of Measures Q and R, the two-initiative arena package.
They also point out that the campaign is just starting. Political consultant Gale Kaufman was hired just days ago to drum up support among local elected officials and the public.
"One of the key parts of the campaign is to educate not only local elected officials in this county, who will clearly benefit if Measures Q and R pass, but also the people who go to the polls Nov. 7," said campaign spokesman Doug Elmets.
Sacramento County Chief Financial Officer Geoff Davey said he just sent out e-mails to city officials around the county offering to meet with them and explain the proposal in more detail. He said the county would enter into revenue-sharing agreements with each of the cities if the ballot measure passes.
Measure R would raise the sales tax on purchases made in Sacramento County by a quarter cent for 15 years -- without specifying what the estimated $1.2 billion raised by the tax hike would be used for.
If Measure R specifically allocated the money to the arena and the cities, it would require a two-thirds vote to pass. By making it a general tax, the county argues it needs only a majority vote -- a theory opponents and proponents expect to be tested in court.
