LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lafayette Voters Reject Measure C, City's Sales Tax


Former city council member Brandt Andersson and City Manager Steve Falk await election returns. Photo Pippa Fisher

Lafayette voters made clear last Tuesday by a vote of 57 percent to 43 percent their disapproval of Measure C, a proposed one percent sales tax that was slated for various enhancements of the city. It would have put the sales tax on par with Moraga.

Michael Griffiths, president of Save Lafayette that led the No on C campaign, says that in spite of being outspent five to one, they were able to endure thanks to the donations and support of Lafayette residents.

"As a result, local small businesses and valuable apartments will not be replaced by unnecessary city buildings ... we can always come back with a better, transparent proposal if that's what the citizens decide."

Griffiths says that if you believe that something is right, you should persist. "We will continue to be the city's watchdog and to work for a better community. We love this city and we want to make sure it gets the loving care it deserves, both now and for future generations." He quotes that it is a "government of the people, by the people for the people."

Incoming Lafayette City Council member Cam Burks says that he respects and values above all else the voice of the voters, and appreciates the sincere enthusiasm, passion and efforts of those who advocated on both sides of the measure.

City Manager Steve Falk expressed sadness that it failed because many of the improvements it promised, such as protected open space, more and better parking and a revitalized Park Theater, "are simply beyond the city's reach. But the voters spoke quite decisively and the city will, of course, respect and carry out their priorities."

Council member Brandt Andersson, who led Community Conversations to identify the improvements wanted by residents for Measure C, said that, "We sought guidance from our citizens with our Community Conversations, they provided us with their Citizens' Vision, and we asked for the means to put that vision into effect. Win or lose, we did our best, and I am comfortable with their verdict." He points out that the Citizens' Vision remains.

In part the success of the No on C campaign can be attributed to an effective use of social media, which got their word out. Mayor Mark Mitchell acknowledges additionally, a lack of positive endorsement from a regional newspaper and the combination of many other taxes on the ballot contributed to its failure.

But, he says, he is an optimist. "So I tend to look at it as an endorsement of the council's work satisfying the needs of the community within our existing budget."