Developer Fees
The extensive use of developers fees is unfair in that it requires a limited number of taxpayers to shoulder a burden that should be spread more evenly on all taxpayers.
The really damaging part of Proposition 13 is its requirement of a two-thirds majority for the Legislature (or a city council or county board of supervisors) to raise a tax or institute a new one. In the state Capitol, minority Republicans in the Assembly have consistently blocked new levies.
We could well afford some new state taxes to provide revenues to be turned over to local government. This would lessen the need to hold commercial and residential developments hostage to pay for various activities and infrastructure, which should be underwritten, at least in part, by all taxpayers.
MARK RYAVEC
Los Angeles
Ryavec is former chief deputy assessor of Los Angeles County.
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