Garamendi Ad Proposes Temporary Tax Hikes to Fund Quake Repairs

Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Garamendi planned to air the first broadcast commercial of the 1994 campaign year today with a radio ad proposing temporary gasoline and sales taxes to pay for repairs from the Northridge earthquake.

The tax hike would last a year, said Garamendi, who is state insurance commissioner. Revenue from the statewide gasoline levy would be used to rebuild damaged roads and freeways. The sales tax would go for other public facilities, such as schools.

Garamendi did not specify the amount of either proposed increase. The state sales tax was boosted by a quarter-cent on the dollar after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in the Bay Area.

In the ad, Garamendi called the rebuilding job the most important challenge facing California.

He noted in the 30-second commercial, paid for by his campaign for governor, that he has been criticized for his proposal, first made at a forum with Democrat Kathleen Brown and Republican Gov. Pete Wilson on Jan. 22.

“But I believe it’s time to worry less about politics and more about the people and pain of L.A. I don’t think Californians are selfish. You can’t run for governor if you’re not willing to do what it takes to rebuild (Los Angeles).”