Measure P: Chula Vista sales tax measure

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Measure P: Chula Vista sales tax continuation

What would Measure P do?

Measure P asks Chula Vista voters to continue a half-cent sales tax that is already in place.

Like many cities, Chula Vista is struggling to replace and maintain aging infrastructure. Although the city says the revenue generated is intended for high priority infrastructure projects, it is a general tax and can legally be used for any lawful purpose of the city. The measure also requires the continuation of the Citizens’ Oversight Committee, which is composed of members who review and report on city compliance with the provisions of Measure P. Additional fiscal and accountability actions would continue, including:

• Public disclosure of all spending
• All funds stay local in Chula Vista and no funds can be taken away by the state
• Essential purchases such as groceries, prescription medicine, diapers, and feminine hygiene products would continue to be exempt from sales tax

If approved this election, the tax would sunset in 2037.

What are the arguments for and against Measure P?

• For

Supporters of Measure P, like the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, say the city has met many of the goals outlined in the original measure, therefore voters should extend it.

In its policy paper endorsing the measure, the SDCTA said funds generated by Measure P have been "instrumental" in funding many of Chula Vista's needs like: new equipment for the fire and police department, upgrades to parks and recreation centers, and infrastructure updates.

The SDCTA argues extending Measure P will "allow the City to continue there ability to finance the projects that focus on maintaining the City's infrastructure, facilities, and equipment, resulting in better quality of life."

The SDCTA also says it supports the measure because it features a sunset clause, which means voters would decide whether to renew the tax in 2037.

• Against

Carl DeMaio’s Reform California political action committee opposes Measure P. It argues that because Measure P is a general tax there's no guarantee revenues will be used for infrastructure improvements.

In its voter guide, Reform California claims the city’s own financial plans have the revenue generated from the tax going to cover salary hikes, and what the group calls overly generous pension payouts to city workers.

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