COMMITTEE FOR NO ON MEASURE J

A recent Valley Voice essay in The Desert Sun was titled “Don’t reject Measure J just because you don’t like John Wessman”. The article correctly identified millionaire developer John Wessman as the central issue in the Measure J – One Percent (1%) Sales Tax hike appearing on the November 8th ballot. The premise that dislike should not be the basis for a No on Measure J vote is also correct. What the author failed to provide is the list of excellent and compelling reasons why a No vote on the Measure is the correct one.

Measure J deserves to be defeated because it is all about John Wessman and his Desert Fashion Plaza quest for $43 million in taxpayer funds.

Measure J deserves to be defeated because its only reason for existence is John Wessman and his requirement that $43 million be handed over to him before he will develop his plaza property.

Measure J deserves to be defeated because the $43 million gift to Wessman does not require repayment.

Measure J deserves to be defeated because taxpayer funds should not be used to enrich anyone and particularly John Wessman who is in no need of additional wealth.

Measure J deserves to be defeated because John Wessman is the only developer receiving free city streets, free restroom facilities on his property, free exemption from providing parking facilities, and free or reduced costs for city services.

Measure J deserves to be defeated because taxpayers will bear the burden of paying it off for the next twenty-five (25) years.

Measure J deserves to be defeated because funds badly needed for infrastructure and other public concerns will be cut in half by diverting $43 million to John Wessman for his plaza renovation plans.

City officials claim failure of Measure J to pass will result in no Desert Fashion Plaza renovation. If persons making such statements don’t have answers, they should simply step aside, resign and let someone else provide solutions. Stiffing taxpayers for such costs is not acceptable!

City officials claim infrastructure needs will suffer if Measure J fails to pass. If responsible officials don’t have solutions, they need to step aside, resign and let someone else provide answers. Piggybacking a $43 million gift to John Wessman on a Measure intended for infrastructure needs is not acceptable! 

Dislike for John Wessman is not a good reason for rejection of Measure J. Hate for the waste of $43 million in taxpayer funds is an excellent reason to reject by voting No on the Measure.

Help prevent a huge waste of taxpayer funds. Vote NO on Measure J.