While September is only just upon us, a critical season fast approaches: the holidays. So many local merchants depend on holiday sales to make, or break, their entire year.

It is a great time to remind Simi Valley residents how important it is to shop here in your town every opportunity you get.

It reminds me of something last year that I thought deserved more attention. Simi Valley City Councilman Glen Becerra in July 2009 used his private campaign funds to place an ad in a Los Angeles newspaper touting Simi Valley’s sharply lower sales tax rate, compared with purchasing items in Los Angeles, where the sales tax is 1.5 percent higher.

I thought it was quite a bold move, not only for poking a finger at L.A. right after they increased their sales tax rate but also to remind Simi Valley residents of our lower 8.25 percent rate. It also reminded me of the importance of shopping locally.

Part of that 8.25 percent helps provide local services such as police and streets. Why leave town and pay higher taxes or have your tax money fund someone else’s public services? Buy in Simi Valley and benefit yourself.
Michael Alterman
Simi Valley