Some business owners in Oakland are threatening to stop paying taxes until the city takes action to combat worsening crime that threatens their livelihoods.
Jose Ortiz, owner of La Perla Puerto Rican Cuisine, told KNTV-TV that his restaurant has been robbed at gunpoint twice in the past two years alone. He said business is down 25% because customers don’t feel safe in the area.
“We’re not alone,” he said. “Across the City of Auckland, we are all in the same position. The City needs to do something immediately and effectively.”
To pressure the city to address its crime problem, Ortiz is trying to get other Oakland businesses to agree to stop paying taxes.
“We are proposing not to pay taxes to the city until you provide us with the services we deserve,” he added.
City Councilman Noel Gallo told KNTV he sympathizes with business owners, but thinks it’s easier to reduce their taxes than fight crime.
“The owner is absolutely right,” Gallo replied. “Why do we keep increasing taxes but not providing safety services?”
Edward Escobar, founder of the Oakland Mayor Recall movement, supported the idea of suspending taxes until the crime is solved.
“The ball has dropped significantly due to poor policy and poor leadership,” Escobar said. “How can we charge full business tax to the many businesses that are barely surviving when they are not providing services?”
A spokesperson for Oakland Mayor Shen Tao said withholding tax would be counterproductive. Tao’s office claimed it has successfully filled police vacancies and that property crimes have decreased in Fruitvale.
That’s what Ortiz thought when he was told about the new police officer. sharp question As a response.
“My question is, where are they? Because I can’t see them!” he added.
“I need service. I want police officers to patrol the streets of Oakland,” Ortiz continued. “I want to clean up the city!”
The recall effort needs 25,000 signatures by July to be voted on in November. Ortiz does not support the recall effort, but he is considering legal action over the business tax boycott plan, he said.
Here’s a report from Auckland:
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