Measure E Vote Shows Stark Divide Between Have and Nave-Not Neighborhoods in San Diego
The one-cent sales tax measure would have helped close the city’s massive infrastructure deficit.
In the end it was close, but the failure of the Measure E one-cent sales tax increase in San Diego means the city is staring down a gaping quarter billion-dollar deficit next year — and possibly ongoing shortfalls beyond.
It also means that residents of some of the most underserved neighborhoods of San Diego, including those that were ravaged in the massive January flooding, won’t be getting much help any time soon on replacing the decrepit stormwater and flood control systems in their area.
Proponents of the tax measure had said an unspecified portion of the revenue, estimated at $400 million annually, would be used to tackle the multibillion-dollar infrastructure deficit affecting roads, stormwater control and other systems. It also would fund core services and general fund needs.
While the vote was evenly divided — 50.3% voted no, 49.7% in favor — a look at the breakdown across the city shows a demonstrable split along the city’s longstanding dividing line of Interstate 8.
Generally voters who live north of I-8 voted against the measure, with some exceptions like Mira Mesa and parts of University City. This area of San Diego includes many older established neighborhoods like San Carlos, Clairemont and La Jolla, but also newer neighborhoods like Rancho Peñasquitos, Scripps Ranch and Del Mar Heights with roads, parks, libraries and other infrastructure that are not as old as other parts of the city.
The strength of the yes vote came from areas generally south and east — older, more racially diverse neighborhoods that historically have received far less in city investments and are considered “communities of concern.”
An injection of millions of dollars into the city’s decrepit infrastructure would have benefited residents of the southeastern parts of the city who have long clamored for better flood protection, and were hit hardest.
Among those areas where support was the strongest: the neighborhoods of Southcrest, Chollas Park area, Encanto and others in southeastern San Diego that were ravaged by the January floods.
Read the full article on inewsource.org.
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