Letter to the Editor: Why I Support Measure UT

Measure UT is actually a tax reduction. It reduces the current Utility Users Tax (“UUT”) from 8 to 7.5 percent. Although it lengthens the time in which the tax needs to be revoted on, this is because a survey conducted of our residents indicated that the tax should not be on the ballot so often. Voters have already approved the UUT five times previously (the tax can of course be repealed at any time).

The UUT is an integral part of the City budget. If personnel costs are subtracted out of the budget (the costs of providing police and fire protection, library services, etc.) the UUT accounts for almost 50 percent of what’s left.

The UUT is essential to maintain our quality of life in South Pasadena. Those who say the City has wasted money are just plain wrong. The City has made a clear commitment to improving our aging infrastructure (streets, sewers, water system, etc.) and has been working hard at doing so. Our residents have indicated they want to retain our own police and fire departments, and we have listened.

Everyone realizes this has been a difficult year. We are living in tough economic times. A vote in favor of measure UT cuts the current UUT rate from 8 to 7.5 percent, but still allows us to maintain the services (meals on wheels, community services, park services, etc.) our families, seniors, youth, and others rely on.

Sincerely,

Philip Putnam