La Mesa Economic Recovery Plan

We know the United States has a $16 Trillion (16,000,000,000,000) debt but do we comprehend this? Stores are stocked with food, jets fly overhead, schools are back in session, “Friends” reruns were just renewed through 2017. What debt?

La Mesa has a $31M unfunded liability debt costing us $2.5M per year in interest alone but our festivals continue, city programs championing nutritious eating and exercise abound, we are designated a "Playful City USA" for the fourth year in a row. What debt? 

But if you are paying attention, there are symptoms of this debt in La Mesa and they will become more obvious and more unpleasant unless our mayor and our city council make a concerted effort to pay the debt off sooner rather than later.

City Hall is closed on alternate Fridays. Weeds and litter line many streets throughout the city. A large gang fight broke out at the Spring trolley station last week (3rd gang fight in three weeks, next to the proposed 7-Eleven I might add), extra police patrol is needed. 

It is obvious La Mesa must take in more money. I am not aware of a current City plan for increasing revenue nor have I seen any of my fellow council candidates propose a plan for bringing economic viability to La Mesa. Here is mine:

Fifty percent of our revenue comes from sales taxes, 28 percent of our revenue comes from property taxes. My two-tiered, non-political pursuit of economic viability grows sales tax & property tax revenue without raising tax rate or fees.

La Mesa Economic Recovery Plan: 

Tier 1

Increase Sales Tax Revenue by increasing the number of businesses opening and expanding in La Mesa:

a) La Mesa is declared The Friendliest-to-Business Town in the County.

b) The process for obtaining a business license would be shortened from 4 – 8 weeks (current waiting time) to 4 – 8 days.

c) We comply with state and federal regulations but resist adding La Mesa regulations that further burden new or expanding businesses.

d) A liaison position is established from within to help business owners, contractors, architects, etc. navigate the City’s license, permit, zoning, inspections procedures with the intent of making the process less costly, easier and swifter.

e) Hyperlinks would be added to the City’s website page that lists available retail, industrial and office space so entrepreneurs and business scouts from around the world would see images and specs of what’s available in La Mesa.

f) A La Mesa App is created for Smart Phones, Netbooks, Tablets and laptops. The App would direct consumers to city services, coffee shops, restaurants, gas stations, hospitals, parks, library, art galleries, etc. It would also include La Mesa maps and calendar of events. New and existing businesses would love to be included on the App. La Mesa looks tech savvy. $10k.

g) A Public/Private Partnership is launched between City Hall and a business group consisting of banks, credit unions, accountants, insurance and real estate agents, business owners, construction companies, restaurateurs, trade and business associations where entities bring their businesses and sales tax revenue to La Mesa in return for a business friendly environment and streamlined services.

h) A 15-year plan is drafted and ratified to pay off the $30M unfunded pension liability debt.

Tier 2

Increase Property Tax Revenue by increasing property values:

1) La Mesa is declared a Blight-Free Zone whereas existing ordinances are enforced that require:

a)      Dumpsters be hidden from sight

b)      Lot owners keep their empty lots free of trash and weeds

c)      Store owners retrieve their abandoned shopping carts

d)     Building owners maintain their properties so they are not substandard, disharmonious with adjacent properties and do not cause loss of value or diminution of enjoyment for the neighbors.

Note: implementing number 2 not only increases property values but also improves our city’s image, helps attract and retain quality residents and businesses and may very well decrease crime, a long-standing problem in La Mesa.

Win-win. Win-win.