Letter: Measure S

Editor, The Friday Flyer

I would like to clear up a few statements made in John Zaitz’s recent Letter to the Editor.

The UTT tax was not only responsible for reopening Fire Station 60 but it is the reason it has remained open. “It never needed to be closed” is not a true statement. It would not have been closed had there been a means in place to fund it with Cal-Fire and the back up they provide. The city spent thousands of dollars looking at forming our own fire department to no avail because you would have to buy backup as it was not free.

Additionally, the UUT funds cannot be diverted to other uses by virtue of placing the money raised in with the general funds of the city. The UTT is specifically funded for police and fire protection. Unlike many special taxes that become a burden in perpetuity, the UTT tax was an emergency measure to ensure security and safety within Canyon Lake until another source of revenue or savings is secured. My understanding is the city is studying a Joint Powers association with some of the surrounding cities and will make its findings known when appropriate.

There has been no indication during the period of time the UTT has been in place that the city intends to raise the tax to meet other needs.

The assertion made concerning our roads becoming public is nonsense. Our roads are clearly defined as common area in our CC&Rs and cannot be abandoned in any manner.

Vote yes on Measure S and keep our city, our control and our privacy intact.

Jack Wamsley