ANAHEIM : Rent Control, Tax Measures on Ballot

Voters on March 5 will decide four ballot measures, two of which have drawn opposition in the city.

Among the more controversial of the four ballot measures before Anaheim residents are the proposed mobile home rent-control ordinance, Measure A, and an advisory measure that asks voters if they favor a citywide tax for police and fire services, Measure D.

Both measures have met with opposition from community members, who have submitted ballot arguments.

The other two measures were not opposed. Measure C would allow City Council members to raise their salaries to the state level, which is $1,000 per month, and would more than double current salaries of $400. Measure B would open the mayor’s post to any Anaheim resident, rather than to City Council members only, and would increase the term from two years to four.

Bob Baker, a longtime Anaheim resident, wrote the ballot argument against Measure D, the special tax posed by Mayor Fred Hunter. Baker challenged the city to cut “waste from the city budget” rather than tax residents for services they expect from their city.

Baker also suggested that Disneyland should share the cost of local law enforcement.

“As often is the case, the residents of this city are being asked to foot the bill for the recreational attractions located in Anaheim,” Baker stated. “Other answers should be explored . . . before using a tax scheme that is no more than a subterfuge.”

The tax would attempt to raise $4 million over an indefinite period to add 40 police officers plus support personnel. The tax eventually also might raise funds for fire and paramedic services. The amount of the tax has not been determined.

On the rent-control issue, the proponents’ ballot argument points to escalating rents and the fact that mobile home residents would pay to enforce the ordinance. Anaheim Homeowners and Taxpayers Against Rent Control, a local group led by Anaheim resident Rick Vaughn, submitted an opposing argument, citing the cost of enforcing the ordinance.

The rent-control ordinance would reduce current rents to the 1988 levels and allow increases of up to 8% annually. Residents and park owners would pay an annual registration fee to offset costs of implementing the ordinance, which the city attorney estimates will be $466,650 annually.

The election is expected to cost the city $100,000 to administer.