Adam Kwasman offers insights into why he is against Prop. 490 in Scottsdale
By Terrance Thornton | Digital Free Press
On the heels of the Tuesday, Aug. 20, Arizona Court of Appeals ruling on ballot language around Proposition 490 — a .15% sales tax question being presented to Scottsdale voters this November — Scottsdale City Council amended adopted language the appellate court found to be misleading.
The new ballot language passed with a 4 to 3 vote with members of City Council Barry Graham, Kathy Littlefield and Tammy Caputi dissenting. Read the new language for yourself, HERE.
The legal issue now settled hinged upon how the .15% sales tax was coined a ‘reduction’ in Scottsdale sales tax levies already in place and original narrative reported at City Hall and in ballot arguments never explains if nothing is done the sales tax would simply expire as originally intended when presented to voters years ago.
Newly approved language states a vote in the affirmative this November for Prop. 490:
“A ‘YES’ vote shall have the effect of authorizing the City to enact a transaction privilege and use tax rate of 0.15% for 30 years for the sole purpose of: 1) improvements and maintenance for Citywide Parks and Recreational Facilities; 2) maintenance and protection for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve; and 3) increased Police and Fire resources related to Citywide Parks and the Preserve, as determined by City ordinance, to take effect on July 1, 2025, immediately upon the expiration of the current 0.20% tax rate.”
Newly approved language states a dissenting vote November for Prop. 490:
“A ‘NO’ vote shall have the effect of denying the City the authority to enact a new 0.15% transaction privilege and use tax rate, and the current 0.20% transaction privilege and use tax rate will expire at the end of June 30, 2025”
The Goldwater Institute lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of former Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane and residents Susan Wood and Yvonne Cahill, began earlier this summer with the most recent legal opinion stemming from a July 22 appeal.
In 1995 and in 2004, Scottsdale voters approved a 0.20% tax — the 0.20% preserve tax today in question — to fund land acquisition only and a 0.15% tax to fund land acquisition and improvements in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Revenues from the 0.20% preserve tax and the 0.15% land and improvement tax were used to acquire over 30,000 acres of land now knows as the McDowell Sonoran Preserve that entailed constructing 12 trailheads and 235 miles of trails in the preserve.
Adam Kwasman offers insights into why he is against Prop. 490 in Scottsdale
Scottsdale City Council candidate Adam Kwasman sat down with questions posed by the Digital Free Press to explain his position on Prop 490. This is what he had to say:
*Why do you support or oppose the proposed .15% sales tax ballot measure — now coined Proposition 490 — on the November ballot?
I oppose the $1.2 billion sales tax increase. As the former vice-chair to the Arizona House Ways & Means Committee, I can’t support ramming through a brand new tax, especially when that tax is the product of secrecy and obfuscation and set upon residents in a time of inflation and dire economic uncertainty.
That said, I want to be extremely clear: I support fully funding police and fire, along with fully funding our parks and preserve. My support for public safety is why I was endorsed by the Police Officers of Scottsdale Association. We can fund these programs without raising taxes on families and retirees.
*How would you ensure that the revenue generated by the .15 sales tax is used effectively and efficiently for the benefit of Scottsdale residents — more acutely the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and greater infrastructure of the community?
The council can’t.
*How would you address concerns from residents who believe the language used to promote the .15 sales tax ballot question is disingenuous?
The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled that the language in the $1.2 billion tax increase was disingenuous. The City Council was dishonest when they ignored our legitimate concerns with the ballot language. This is why so many residents are deeply frustrated with the City Council.
Scottsdale families have a right to be upset. We deserve an open, honest and accountable government.
*What specific project or initiative do you think warrants priority for funding first with remits from the tax realized at City Hall?
The priority of Scottsdale should be fully funding public safety and preserving our world-class parks. We can absolutely accomplish this task through responsible and transparent means, not by imposing misleading taxes on residents and families.
*How would you measure the success of the .15 sales tax measure in terms of its impact on Scottsdale’s economy and quality of life?
Success will come in ensuring that any tax revenues are appropriated frugally, wisely, and with an eye toward keeping residents’ hard-earned dollars in their own pockets. I was named and awarded the “champion of the taxpayer” during my time in the legislature because I believe we must stand up against non-transparent, overreaching tax-and-spend politicians. I ask for your vote for City Council because I will always fight for fiscal accountability and temperance. When families get to keep more money in their pockets, we all prosper, and our community thrives.
