EDITOR,

In 2005, voters took on the commitment of a sales tax increase through Measure C to overcome a financial threat to city services. Scotts Valley voters embraced the tax increase, knowing that it was best for the well-being of the city and that this increase was temporary. The proponents of the Measure C extension have not convinced four out of five City Council members that there is a need to ask the voters to continue to pay a tax that is not justified. The city of Scotts Valley has between $2 million and $2.5 million in general reserve funds, revenues coming from redevelopment agency loan repayments and a judgment in favor of the city of Scotts Valley to be reimbursed about $3 million.

In this tough economic downturn, individuals, families and businesses have been forced to tighten their belts to make ends meet, and I expect our local, state and federal governments to do the same. Measure C has run its course and achieved the goal it was intended for. The citizens and businesses of the city have fulfilled their commitment to Measure C. It is unfair to the voters to cry wolf and ask for an extension of this tax when no imminent threat exists.

Our focus needs to be placed on the schools of Scotts Valley, which are facing detrimental budget cuts. I urge citizens and businesses of Scotts Valley to not sign the petition being circulated. Councilwoman Stephany Aguilar has an opportunity to preserve the integrity of past, present and future City Councils by allowing this tax to expire.

Jay Mosley, Scotts Valley