Argument in Opposition to Question 1
Four questions on this ballot ask Mesa’s taxpayers to take on another $260 million in bond debt.
Why should Mesa be authorized to issue $260 million in utility revenue bonds? Where will the revenue come from? And why, with $80 million annual overcharges, does Mesa need to finance an amount that could be covered in 3.25 years?
The city’s annual utility rate increases were squandered on just about everything except utility operations. They have been spent at the discretion of the council. They were spent on such things as: a $100+ million money losing arts center; $80+ million tax incentives to multi-billionaire developers, etc.
The city thumbed its nose at the public’s attempt to vote on exorbitant utility rate increases. While they refused to allow you to vote on utility rate increases they are asking you to vote for massive new debt which will be paid back with still more utility rate increases.
These bonds are not needed. What’s needed is integrity in government. What’s needed is to stop the outflow of $80 million annually from the utility funds to the general fund. This is a true bait-and-switch scam. Pretty slick, huh? The voter approves the bonds for needed repairs, which would not be needed if the council took care of business and kept the funds where they belong. With the infusion of money from the bonds this will free up more money that the council can ship off to the general fund and spend irresponsibly. It is a vicious circle.
When we asked them if we could vote on utility rate increases, the city said "NO". Now they are asking our permission to issue bonds that will further increase our utility rates and our answer is NO on Questions 1, 2, 3 and 4.
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Stop Exploiting Taxpayers IN04-1