Chip Johnson reviews highs and lows for 2008
See the rest of his article at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/30/BAI9150Q5Q.DTL.
Black gold: Residents in Richmond struck the mother lode in November when they approved Measure T, an annual business license fee that will substantially raise taxes paid by Chevron Oil Corp., which operates a giant refinery on the city's shoreline. Under the new rate, the oil company would pay an estimated $26.5 million annually, which is 440 times more than it paid before. The November ballot measure was similar to a business license fee proposed two years ago that included landlords and some retail businesses. Given the health problems and safety risks long associated with the refinery, it's about time one of the most profitable businesses on the earth ponied up its fair share.
Now that Measure T has passed, the task is to deal with any legal challenges as well as use the funds to best advantage. See this article about mulling how to spend the Measure T funds and Mayor McLaughlin's thoughts:
"Richmond mulls how to spend Measure T windfall"
Listen to Kay Wallis' charming reflections on making Measure T a reality:
People Can: A successful ballot measure in Richmond -- born in Kay Wallis' living room -- demonstrates that money isn't everything in politics.
Here is the link to an October "SF Chronicle" article Richmond tax measure would hit Chevron hard.
Here is a link to an article by a local construction contractor Measure T.
Katherine Tam writes frequently about West County issues. Her articles appear in local newspapers, including the "West County Times" and the "Oakland Tribune." Here are links to two of her recent articles regarding Measure T:
Apr 9, 2008, Katherine Tam
"Manufacturer's fee OK'd for November"
Apr 8, 2008, Katherine Tam
"Manufacturer's fee likely to be on November ballot"
Tom Butt, Richmond City Councilmember and Candidate, sends out a periodic newsletter on the Richmond community and West County politics.
April 8, 2008, Tom Butt's E-Forum
"Manufacturing Tax Qualifies for November Ballot"