The sweeping powers granted to redevelopment agencies by state law, coupled with a lack of public oversight of these agencies is a dangerous combination that will do more harm than good to downtown Martinez.
I oppose the formation of a redevelopment agency for Martinez. I believe the sweeping power granted to these agencies has historically been abused and is not in the best interest of the residents of Martinez. The lack of a clear definition in state law of what constitutes a "blighted area" has been exploited by many cities to push through projects that often benefit the few at the expense of the many. A redevelopment agency's ability to incur debt without the approval of the taxpayers who provide its revenue is undemocratic, as is the agency's ability, through eminent domain, to transfer property from one private owner (homeowner or small business) to another private owner (large developer) for the latter's benefit. Finally, because Prop. 13 limits increases in property tax, redevelopment agencies seek to increase revenue for cities by building large sales tax generators like "big box" stores, hotels, and convention centers, which I believe are inappropriate for downtown Martinez.
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