In Oakland's special election, attention focuses not only on the mayor's race but also on Measure A, which proposes a sales tax increase from 10.25% to 10.75%. Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins emphasizes the necessity of this tax hike due to a massive $140 million structural deficit exacerbated by declining pandemic-era revenue. Jenkins claims this issue mirrors problems faced by many cities today. Critics, including City Council Member Janani Ramachandran, raise concerns over the unrestricted nature of the funds, voicing distrust in the city's spending habits as crucial budget decisions loom ahead.
"Sales tax is a last resort but that's where we are right now," Oakland Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins said.
"This is not an Oakland issue, this is a systemic issue," Jenkins said. "This is what is happening to cities after the pandemic."
"Frankly speaking, I understand what a lot of voters say, that they are opposed to it because they don't trust the city to spend their tax dollars wisely," said Janani Ramachandran.
"If Measure A passes, it takes effect immediately and the money collected will be booked in this current budget," Jenkins stated.
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