Opinion: Why I'm voting "yes" on Measure C

When I ran for City Council, I ran on a platform of repairing and maintaining our local roads in South Lake Tahoe. I knew our community needed a solution to fix the dangerous potholes and cracks that endanger drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. After much planning and thought, I voted yes to place Measure C, a half-cent sales tax measure, on the November 7, 2017 ballot to fix our roads once and for all.

Those of you know who me know that I am no supporter of taxes. What I do support, however, is a smart, comprehensive plan to fix a serious problem in our community. Measure C will do just that by establishing dedicated funding to repair our deteriorating roads.

Measure C will fix potholes, repave streets and bring our roads up to the standards that our community deserves. No Measure C funding can EVER be used for any purpose but road repairs, and strict fiscal accountability measures make sure every dollar is spent as required by law. It is a criminal offense to spend Measure C funding on anything but our roads in South Lake Tahoe.

Improved roads will raise our property values and improve safety for all South Lake Tahoe residents. Best of all, Measure C is the only solution that will ensure tourists and visitors pay their fair share for their impact on our roads. Many essential items and services that residents buy, including groceries and medicine, are exempt from the cost. We need Measure C now – the longer we wait the more expensive our road problems will become.

When I vote YES on Measure C in November, I will do so knowing that passing this measure will fix potholes and make the repairs our neglected roads desperately need. I encourage you to join me in supporting this important measure for our city’s future.

- Tom Davis, City Councilmember, City of South Lake Tahoe