First, and probably foremost, I don’t see why we should tax ourselves to pay for projects on the state highway system for which the legislature has not provided the funding, in large part because of their mismanagement of state resources.

This is on top of the state "stealing" local property tax money to finance its programs and obligations.

We are told that we are the largest urban county in the state without a transportation sales tax, but it is readily obvious that local transportation sales tax measures have not generally relieved congestion.

There are other problems with Measure B. For example, the tax would remain in place for 30 years. This length was selected, not based on a careful analysis of funding needs, but simply because the state law allows up to 30 years. There really isn’t a carefully considered expenditure plan. What has been represented as that plan is nothing more than a Christmas wish list. You could be a victim of a "bait and switch."

As a further consequence of the state’s fiscal mismanagement, consider that the voters overwhelmingly passed State Proposition 42 in March 2002. This proposition provided that the portion of the state sales tax derived from the sale of gasoline was to be spent for transportation purposes throughout the state. Unfortunately, this proposition also contained a provision that it could be suspended and the sales tax revenue redirected to the state general fund, upon a two-thirds vote of the legislature in a budget "emergency." Money that should have been available for transportation purposes throughout the state has, instead, been diverted to the state’s general fund.

Voters should also consider that a law has already been enacted authorizing the sale of up to $1.5 billion in transportation revenue bonds secured by tribal gaming monies dedicated to the state, provided both Propositions 68 and 70 are rejected by the voters in November. Since the governor has campaigned vigorously against these propositions, it is unlikely they will pass, and more money will immediately be infused into transportation programs throughout the state.

Another major flaw in Measure B is that it authorizes the issuance of bonds up to $500 million. This would be the largest bond authorization ever presented to the voters in this county.

Additionally, the bonds would be issued and their proceeds, along with the tax revenues, would be administered by a commission whose board is not elected. I’m not willing to place responsibility for so much money in the hands of a body not directly answerable to the people.

Finally, the proper way to finance transportation programs is through a user fee; that is, a tax on gasoline, either a sales tax or a tax per gallon, not a general sales tax applied to all taxable goods.

Due to all these concerns, Ventura County voters should reject Measure B.