Opinion: The true ‘downward spiral,’ Prop B, is a tax improve that by no means ends

The next is an independently written visitor commentary submitted to the Present.

We’re writing in response to former Mayor Henry Cisneros’ latest editorial within the San Antonio Categorical-Information, wherein he argues the Spurs may depart if voters reject Proposition B, sending San Antonio right into a “downward spiral.”

We have been presidents of COPS/Metro within the ’80s and ’90s, and we have now an extended historical past with Mayor Cisneros.

We’d prefer to set the file straight.

We’ve heard these threats, lofty financial guarantees and pleading for public assist earlier than; specifically for the Alamodome, after we have been promised that we might have an NFL workforce if we simply foot the tax invoice to construct it. Nicely, we’re nonetheless ready.

If there’s something that’s sending us right into a downward spiral it’s the crumbling state of San Antonio’s infrastructure, the latest preventable flooding deaths at Perrin Beitel crossing and the financial state of our metropolis.

Mr. Cisneros was fast to say that “these in opposition say the lodge venue tax and the automotive rental tax can be utilized for different municipal spending. They can’t. By state legislation they’re assigned to bodily capital tasks.”

However he’s flawed and documented historical past disagrees with him.

In 2008, the exact same County Venue Tax was used to create 22 group tasks, selling tourism and the standard of lifetime of San Antonio households. These tasks included parks, museums, artwork venues, music venues, strolling trails, river stroll enhancements and desperately wanted infrastructure all through our metropolis and county.

They might have chosen to spend money on tasks like this once more, however our elected leaders selected to not.

Let’s get to the guts of the problem.

Not too long ago, a San Francisco hedge fund and two out-of-town billionaires turned part-owners of our native workforce. If the workforce leaves, it’s as a result of these new house owners are placing revenue over group. House owners who care about San Antonio wouldn’t threaten to depart just because they don’t get their method, notably when San Antonio, via our loyalty, has helped that enterprise develop from $400 million to $4 billion since 2012.

Proposition B is a tax improve as acknowledged clearly on the poll and begins a domino impact that will commit town to lots of of thousands and thousands of extra {dollars} in taxpayer cash.

Between metropolis and county contributions, taxpayers are on the hook for lots of of thousands and thousands to assist construct a brand new enviornment for these billionaire house owners.

Taxpayers are being requested to approve a large public dedication with out understanding what the ultimate deal will even seem like. And the one so-called “unbiased examine” used to justify the venture wasn’t unbiased in any respect. It was accomplished by an organization owned by one of many Spurs’ traders.

As soon as this tax is authorised, it doesn’t go away. There’s no expiration date and no assure it should ever be used for something apart from a fourth enviornment, enviornment renovations or — who is aware of — a fifth enviornment in 20 years?

It ought to be referred to as the Tax Enhance That By no means Ends. That’s the actual downward spiral.

This isn’t about basketball. It’s about company welfare, equity, transparency and holding our group’s priorities the place they belong.

Vote In opposition to Proposition B, the Tax Enhance That By no means Ends.

Should you’re inquisitive about submitting a visitor commentary to the San Antonio Present, please submit it to snowlin@sacurrent.com.

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