Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Oct. 27, 2024
Vote yes on Novato Measure M sales tax
The IJ editorial board’s reluctance to support Novato’s desperately needed Measure M sales tax on the November ballot is sadly misguided. Having served on the Novato City Council for the last five years and as a planning commissioner for nearly six years prior, I know the need for a sales tax increase (without a “sunset” provision) is critical.
San Anselmo, Sausalito and Larkspur all have a sales tax rate of 9.25% with no sunset. Corte Madera and Fairfax have a sales tax rate of 9%. Novato is the second largest city in Marin, yet it has one of the lowest sales tax rates at 8.5% and the lowest property tax rate at 7%. It’s no wonder we are in such poor financial shape.
The board’s criticism regarding the delayed audits falls flat. Audits were delayed and a lease lapsed due to chronic understaffing, the result of a lack of financial resources. It is imperative that we correct this long-standing underfunding that perpetuates the city’s inability to get ahead and stay current. We have rebuilt our Finance Department over the last few years and are mere months away from being fully caught up on the city’s audits. Let’s not undo our forward progress.
San Rafael’s sunset on a 1% portion of their total 9.25% sales tax should have no bearing on Novato. A sunset clause would merely create a potential financial crisis for a future City Council. Costs continue to rise, even as we work to streamline city departments and processes. The problem isn’t going away.
It’s past time to fix our chronic deficits and properly provide our residents the services they deserve. Learn more at yesonmnovato.com. Please join me in supporting Measure M.
— Susan Wernick, Novato council member
Following 2023 death, Marin ballot did not arrive
I am writing in response to the article published Oct. 13 with the headline “Marin ‘election integrity’ group sues registrar of voters.” I find the idea that there is voter fraud related to “dead people filling out ballots” to be outrageous and, in my experience, untrue. It sounds like a conspiracy theory similar to Donald Trump refusing to accept that he lost the 2020 election.
I lost my dear husband in 2023 and noticed his ballot did not arrive this year, when mine did, for our upcoming election. Although I miss him, and this was a reminder of his departure, I was delighted that neither a ballot nor a voters’ guide with his name were delivered.
This is evidence that Marin County’s system is sound. In reading the article, I think the lawsuit seems frivolous and not based on facts. I watched TV political commentator Margaret Hoover’s “Firing Line” special on PBS called “Counting the Vote.” Her report provides strong confirmation that the U.S. has one of the soundest voting practices in the world.
— Carolyn Shadan, Tiburon
Superintendent urges yes votes on school measures
Quality schools are foundational to a vibrant community and we’re lucky to have some of the best here in Marin. Our community has historically shown support for our schools through donations to local foundations and parent associations, voting for parcel taxes and bonds, and coming together for students.
Our school boards don’t want to ask our community for financial support, but the local funding that our community provides is what sets our school districts apart and enables them to provide Marin students with a rich, well-rounded education in safe, up-to-date facilities.
Our students need us again. Before Marin voters in November are four local funding measures that are critical for our students, teachers, staff and the future of our schools. Two of them are parcel taxes, which provide locally controlled funding to pay for salaries for valued teachers and staff. The other two are bond measures, which are the only practical mechanism for districts to make capital improvements and significant facilities repairs.
I’m proud to be your Marin County superintendent for schools and am proud of the education that our districts provide our children every day. The ability to continue to provide our students with robust programs in clean, safe, up-to-date facilities (that enhance — rather than detract from — teaching and learning) depends on the support from our community.
I urge you to vote yes on the measures in your district, securing local funding for our schools. Excellent schools are good for the entire community, and I hope you will join me in supporting measures B, C, E and G.
— John Carroll, Marin superintendent of schools