Step up for fiscal responsibility

We are in troubling times. COVID-19 and the government-enforced lockdowns have closed untold numbers of businesses and put millions of people out of work. The repercussions will be felt for years.

The state and many cities will face significant reductions in tax revenues — maybe not this year, but they will come. Our Citizen/Taxpayer Group anticipates new tax measures on the ballot next year. We’ll study them and publicize our recommendations.

Over the years, our efforts have saved taxpayers tons of money, but the cost of signs and ads continues to rise. As a nonprofit organization, when facing those costs, we turn to the public. When we’ve asked, people and companies have responded.

Recall, back in 2006, Solano County put a sales tax — Measure H — on the ballot. Its purpose was to fund repairs on roads, among others the I-80/680 interchange. We opposed the tax on the basis that such work was the responsibility of the state and federal governments, not the county. We asked for help and — spectacularly — contributions totaled $29,000. We placed ads and signs throughout the county, even rented a crop-dusting airplane to tow a banner with our message. Voters got it and crushed Measure H soundly.

We’re gearing up for the expected 2022 campaign. To help build our treasury, a senior member has issued a challenge: he will match contributions of any amount up to a total of $2,000. We are hopeful that voters see the importance of what we do.

Please mail contributions by check to our mailbox, PO Box 3532, Fairfield, CA 94533. We are a 501(c)(4) organization so contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes, but they have and will save taxpayers in the long run.

Let’s — all of us — do what we can to encourage governments to be fiscally responsible. Start by opposing unwise taxes.

— Janet Roberts/President, Central Solano Citizens

Tax Group