More Property Tax Revenues - Mark Kirk

Recently one of my opponents posted a lengthy comment about bringing more property tax dollars back to Hesperia. Fighting for more local dollars is a constant theme that many candidates repeat in order to get elected. But what does it really mean and how can you trust a candidate to deliver on that promise?

First, the issue of more property tax dollars is a simple one that often gets confused. People who own property pay taxes each year equal to 1% of the assessed value of the property. Now, you may pay more than that based on local school bonds, water bonds, etc., but the portion we're talking about, property tax, is fixed at 1%.

That 1% is then split between School Districts, Redevelopment Areas, Special Districts (like Parks or Sanitation Districts), County and City. The split between the County and City can be difficult, if not impossible, to change.

"Why should the County have any of those tax dollars," is a question I've often heard in this debate. It's important to remember that although cities are responsible for most municipal services, the County is responsible to fund the District Attorney, Public Defender, Jail facilities, Probation Department, Regional Parks, Museums and a whole host of other departments and programs that residents in every city take advantage of.

Of course I believe that more money should be returned to the local level. And in the case of Hesperia, a lot more. In fact, that same opponent I referenced pointed to the city of Chino Hills as a case study in which the County did the right thing by voting to return more dollars back to the city.

I'm glad my opponent referenced this problem and the solution presented to Chino Hills. I agree with him that it was an equitable agreement that was in the best interest of the residents of the city. I'm especially happy that he brought this up because I was one of the architects of that agreement. In fact my work on that agreement is one reason my candidacy is endorsed by a majority of the Chino Hills City Council, including Mayor Curt Hagman.

What my opponent failed to point out however is how that same agreement that benefited Chino Hills, benefits Hesperia. It was specifically written to significantly increase Hesperia's portion of property tax on property within the city limits.

I'm proud of the work I've done to bring more dollars back to Hesperia for traffic congestion and law enforcement. I'm proud of the innovative ways we've been able to improve the quality of life for those who live in Hesperia. If elected to the City Council, I will continue working on new strategies to bring even more dollars back to the city. Dollars that will continue helping to improve our roads and keep gang members and thugs off our streets.