City Council Members:

I am writing to you in light of tonight’s Council Meeting where the Utility User Tax is on the agenda (Item H1). As a citizen voter of Menlo Park, District 3, I am urging the Council to vote against this provision and not institute yet another tax on the residents of Menlo Park. There is already some controversy about the legality of this tax and how the Council has managed this in the past. While there may be a reasonable reason for such a tax, it should be out in open and within full compliance of the law.

If the Council believes this tax is necessary, put it to the voters in a public voter referendum and let the people decide vs. trying to discuss/vote on it in a Council Meeting toward the end of a long meeting agenda.

As you know, there is already some litigation on this. The Council has many things to contend with and doesn’t need this lawsuit or another additional lawsuit to ensure conformity with state regulations. Methodologically, an increase in local taxes should be put to a voters vote to fully reflect the will of the people. If there is sufficient voter support, then so be it.

Thank you for your consideration of this input and service on the Council and to our city.

Kind Regards,
Scott Barnum
137 Stone Pine Lane
Menlo Park, CA 94025
microbarny@msn.com
650-224-5671(m)