Letters: Measure A will benefit unions, not the housing market

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Re “Should owners of vacant second homes be heavily taxed?” (May 24): I will not be surprised if this red herring passes as it is yet another divisive effort by Elo-Rivera to extract revenue from a small group by pitting a large group against them. Three things show this is nothing more than a means to feather the general fund.

First, the money is not earmarked for housing affordability and will just disappear into the general fund. Second, the highest concentrations of these properties are in La Jolla, Pacific Beach and downtown. Returning homes in the most expensive areas to the market will do nothing to make affordable housing stock available. Third, the supporters who will benefit from increased tax revenue are namely employee unions.

Property taxes are supposed to pay for public services, not be used as a punitive tool against a minority group. This reeks of socialism disguised by the ballot initiative system.

— Steve Schneider, Tierrasanta

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