Glendale or Shakespeare
Shakespeare said, “To be or not to be, that is the questions”. In Glendale the question is “To repeal or not to repeal the Utility Users Tax”.
Vote and let us know so that we bring about the change you want! (don’t forget to Like and Share, see top of page)
Vote Now and Let Us Know.
Vote to find out results.
What Shakespeare Said in Hamlet (just because its so much more fun)
To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether ’tis Nobler in the mind to suffer The Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune, Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles, And by opposing end them: to die, to sleep No more; and by a sleep, to say we end The Heart-ache, and the thousand Natural shocks That Flesh is heir to? ‘Tis a consummation Devoutly to be wished. more..
In the speech, a despondent Prince Hamlet contemplates death and suicide while waiting for Ophelia, the love of his life. He bemoans the pains and unfairness of life but acknowledges the alternative might be still worse.
Arguments for Repeal of UUT
(Vote Yes if you agree)
Taxation and spending are out of control at every level of government. In a stagnant economy with declining real incomes, local government continues to grow.
Even though Glendale’s population is essentially unchanged since 2000, the General Fund has grown an astonishing 77% from just under $100 million to $177 million for 2015. In just six years, total budgeted city revenues including GWP grew from $646 million to $832 million, a whopping 30% increase.
In 2014, 10 city employees banked over $300,000 per year; 31 made $250,000-$299,000; 135 made $200,00-$249,000; 237 made $150,000-$199,000 and 343 made $100,000-$149,000. California’s governor makes only $173,987. Incredibly, 31 city employees actually make more than the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at $251,000 year. (Source: www.transparentcalifornia.com)
In 2014 the median full time city employee received pay and benefits totaling $105,211– over twice the $45,235 of the median employed Glendale resident. Government elites enjoy pay, pensions and job security the average taxpayer can only dream about.
It gets worse. We have to pay these people the rest of their lives. Glendale’s unfunded pension obligations are officially $411.9 million. But the real number, according to the Stanford Institute for Economic Research, is closer to $1,425,003,510. (Source: www.pensiontracker.org)
The City Council has caved into the salary demands of public employee unions and has failed to control the growth of non-essential services. Passing this measure will reduce utility taxes by $17,000,000, just 2% of projected total city revenues. The idea that a 2% cut can, or should,
compromise public safety is extortionate nonsense.
Arguments Against Repeal of UUT (Vote No if you agree)
Why do Glendale’s most respected leaders and organizations all say vote No on N?
Glendale’s FIREFIGHTERS and paramedics say vote NO. because Measure N means:
- SLOWER 9-1-1 EMERGENCY RESPONSE times for victims of heart attacks, strokes, car accidents, fires and other emergencies
- CLOSING two Glendale FIRE STATIONS and eliminating nearly 40 firefighters and paramedics
- Eliminating Glendale’s Emergency Preparedness unit, arson investigator, hazardous materials response team and search and rescue team
Glendale’s POLICE OFFICERS say vote NO because Measure N means:
- SLOWER POLICE RESPONSE to 9-1-1 crime calls and less investigation to solve crimes
- CUTTING the number of on-duty POLICE officers
- REDUCING police PATROLS in our neighborhoods that keep our families and homes safe
- Closing the Glendale Police Department’s DNA Crime Lab for prosecuting criminals
Glendale’s PARENTS and TEACHERS say vote NO. because Measure N means:
- CLOSING most LIBRARIES in Glendale and eliminating librarians that help students learn to read, do their homework and succeed in school
- Eliminating youth anti-gang and anti-drug programs that keep kids on the right track and out of trouble
Glendale’s BUSINESS leaders and realtors say vote No because Measure N means:
- A less safe Glendale with deteriorating roads and infrastructure drives away business and good jobs
- More crime in our neighborhoods will DECREASE HOME VALUES
Why is this misguided and poorly written initiative on our ballot? An out-of-town group collected signatures to put this same measure on the ballot in several cities. They don’t understand Glendale’s needs or how Measure N will hurt Glendale.
Don’t believe their lies about out of control budgets and pensions. Get the facts at http://glendaleca.gov/government/uut-education.
Glendale residents know that we live in a great community with safe neighborhoods. Let’s keep it that way. Just say No on N.
/s/ Ara Najarian, Mayor of the City of Glendale /s/ Paula Devine, Glendale Councilmember /s/ Laura Friedman, Glendale Councilmember /s/ Vartan Gharpetian, Glendale Councilmember /s/ Zareh Sinanyan, Glendale Councilmember
