DRIVE OPENS TO RAISE TAXES FOR MORE POLICE, FIREFIGHTERS
Byline: By Roberto Sanchez, THE PHOENIX GAZETTE
The folks on the Citizens for Neighborhood Protection Committee hope to get a lot of ink
on their hands -- and at least 12,441 signatures by July 1.
The Phoenix Block Watch Committee on Monday took out petitions to raise the Phoenix sales tax by 0.1 percent, which is projected to raise approximately $12.6 million in revenue the first year. The money would be used to hire police officers and firefighters and to raise money for Phoenix Block Watch grants.
Petition organizers said the money is needed to combat street gangs and violent crime that plague many neighborhoods.
If the 10-day signature drive is successful, the initiative would be put on the 1994 ballot for voters to decide.
Richard Fox, committee treasurer, is confident voters will approve the tax.
''This is only $1 for $1,000,'' Fox said. ''That's not much to ask for extra protection for neighborhoods.''
If the tax is approved, 70 percent of the money would go to hire 200 police officers, and 25 percent would be earmarked for at least 70 firefighters. The remaining 5 percent would go to Phoenix Block Watch, one of the drive's major organizers.
The initiative has been praised by the Phoenix Firefighters Association and the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, which represent about 2,500 firefighters and police officers.
Both labor groups said they are not actively participating in the petition campaign, though they say they have met with committee members to give them information on the personnel shortages in the police and fire departments.
Pat Cantelme of the firefighters union said members will be allowed to distribute or sign petitions if they wish.
Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson praised the initiative as a way to keep the City Council out of the tax-raising business.
He agreed with the organizers' concerns that the city hasn't spent enough on police and firefighters, but he said the city's recent budget crisis prevented any increases in spending, short of raising taxes.
Johnson said if the initiative fails, he would not pressure the City Council to increase the sales tax on its own.
''If this fails, the city should continue to hold the line (on taxes),'' Johnson said.
Cynthia Schwartz, committee chairwoman, said organizers will try to get many of the 3,400 neighborhood leaders in Phoenix to collect signatures wherever they can, including at the Phoenix Suns parade Saturday.
Color photo by Mark Henle / THE PHOENIX GAZETTE
Cynthia Schwartz and Chris Hamel take care of paperwork Monday for an initiative drive asking voters to boost the city sales tax.