Councilman Briggs Opposes Arena Tax

By Daniel Briggs

Elk Grove Councilman Dan Briggs today announced his opposition to the proposed Sacramento Arena sales tax measures on the November 2006 ballot.

"After much consideration of the facts, I have decided to oppose Measures Q and R," said Briggs.

"This decision was not made lightly, because I am a huge Kings fan," continued Briggs. "However, I cannot support a tax increase on the citizens of Elk Grove when there are no assurances that our city will benefit from the additional sales tax revenues."

"Throughout my six years on the Elk Grove City Council, I have worked successfully to keep taxes low in our city," declared Briggs. "My opposition to Measures Q and R is consistent with this longstanding position."

"In addition, it has become painfully clear from recent controversies that plans for a new Sports Arena have not been adequately formulated," said Briggs.

"I believe that the proponents of a new Arena should go back to the drawing board and create a regional working group with representatives from Elk Grove and other communities throughout the Sacramento Metro Area."

"The Kings and Monarchs are regional assets and we should develop a solution that shares the benefits of a new Sports Arena with all our communities--not just the city of Sacramento," stated Briggs.