Sounding Off:

On May 19 California voters will be asked to lengthen the single largest tax increase in our state’s 159-year history through a series of six cleverly worded ballot measures.

Although phrased as “spending caps,” these measures will extend Sacramento’s money-grab for another two years, through 2012. These ballot measures are strongly supported by several prominent interest groups that have poured millions of dollars into distorted campaign ads trying to deceive voters into believing these measures will curb tax increases. Don’t buy it!

These ballot measures will hit home hard for Newport-Mesa. Recently, the state legislature voted to raise income taxes and doubled the vehicle license fee (car tax). This move comes at a time when people are losing their jobs and car dealerships on Harbor Boulevard are vanishing at an alarming rate. The state legislature also voted to increase our state sales tax at a time when small businesses are reeling and larger retail chains are disappearing from Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza.

Sacramento claimed these measures were temporary, only in place to “fix” our beleaguered economy. Now, they want to lengthen these increases through 2012 with no firm guarantee they will not become permanent. These tax increases will cost the average California family an additional $1,500 per year, and come at a time when families are struggling to keep their heads above water.

Behind New Jersey, California has been ranked the least business-friendly state in the entire union. We are also the most taxed state in the union. Our record 11.2% unemployment rate ranks fourth highest in the country.

Where does it end? Does Sacramento think that the cure to double-digit unemployment is a massive tax increase? Will Sacramento be satisfied only when every small business has shuttered its doors and our larger business leave our state for friendlier places like Arizona or Nevada?

It’s no secret that those two states are actively seeking to steal California businesses, promising economic incentives and lower taxes! If they succeed, our unemployment rate will increase and we will have only ourselves to blame. Our leaders have shown they are unable to make the tough decisions to control spending and limit taxes. We have to act now to ensure California truly remains the “Golden State.” Tell Sacramento no on Propositions 1A through 1F.

COLIN MCCARTHY is a Costa Mesa resident.