Candidates Focus on ’70 Utility Tax, Crime

Concerns about crime and a push to repeal or reduce the 4% utility tax passed in 1970 have dominated the discourse on the campaign trail here.

Eight candidates, including three incumbents, are seeking three seats in the Nov. 5 election.

The incumbents are: Michael L. Maertzweiler, elected in 1992 and seeking a second four-year term; Maria Moreno, elected in 1988 and vying for a third term, and John O. Tynes, an 18-year councilman.

Among the other candidates are two who sought a seat in 1994: Charles B. Chamberlain and James Itow.

The other contenders, running for council for the first time, are Stephen W. Bradford, Johannes “John” Hoevers and Constance “Connie” Underhill.

Holding down crime, gang activity and drug dealing is the No. 1 priority among the candidates. They advocate measures such as adding more officers to the Police Department to keep up with the city’s growth.

Other issues include reducing spending, restructuring city government and increasing the tax base by improving economic activity.

Most of the candidates support either repealing or reducing the 4% utility tax, passed in 1970 to pay for capital improvements and to finance bonds to pay for a new Civic Center complex.

City Administrator Robert D’Amato said the tax brings in about $1.7 million annually to pay off bond debt and for capital equipment purchases for the Police Department and other city agencies. He added that the bulk of the tax revenue, $1.1 million, supplements the city’s operating budget to pay for vital city services.

D’Amato said the tax money is needed since the state has diverted $4 million from the city over the past several years.