Measure X makes sense for future of Sausalito waterfront

Sausalito is in a pitched battle over Measure X, an initiative on the November ballot that would change zoning regulations and permit a broader range of uses and larger buildings in its waterfront districts.

This area of town has remained largely dormant under current regulations, basically frozen in 1987. Sensible reforms that replace rigid and oppressive regulations will encourage diversification and investment that will fund overdue infrastructure improvements, generate revenue for the city and revitalize this beautiful, but very vulnerable, resource.

Measure X seems like a win-win for everyone. However, some opponents want to stop reform by deferring it. Personally, I think it could work.

No one wants mistakes that might stain the landscape for generations. A judicious dose of inertia is a good thing in a democracy. But, at some point, debate will become a pretext to procrastinate. Through inaction, we cede our future to outside forces of decay and financial atrophy. When given the opportunity, a failure to act is itself an act.

No measure is perfect. Democracy is messy. I say vote for the better solution presented, not the best solution in theory. Is Measure X better than the status quo? Absolutely. Are there available processes to improve it where needed? By rolling back Ordinance 1022, that process becomes available. Is there reason to believe waiting more years will produce a plan any better than the current proposal? Experience tells me there is not.

Measure X rolls back an ill-conceived ordinance that has crippled our elected representatives’ ability to govern. It removes more than 250 pages of shortsighted regulations that have stifled economic development for two generations. It updates our zoning code to ensure that our working waterfront can continue to support maritime businesses, incubate new industry and cultivate the arts.

Sausalito’s future lies ahead and it is time to move forward.

— David Marlatt, Sausalito

Put failed execution legal obligation on state officials

I am writing in response to the Oct. 2 article with the headline “Christa Pike is in critical condition after Tennessee’s failed execution attempt.”

Since the Tennessee Supreme Court signed the order to kill Pike after sentencing her to be executed for murder, and the execution was bungled, the obligation reverted back to the panel of judges to fulfill the sentence they rendered. I wonder what execution method they will try next. Regardless, the onus is on those officials to fulfill their legal obligation.

— Potter Wickware, Mill Valley

IJ says ‘no’ on Measure W; San Rafael mayor disagrees

I respect the IJ editorial board’s right to endorse a no vote for Measure W, San Rafael’s proposed property transfer tax increase on the Nov. 3 ballot. But I want to add clear information and important context as voters make their decision.

San Rafael already has a 0.2% property transfer tax. On a $1 million home sale, Measure W would grow by $8,000. The total city transfer tax would be 1%, paid only when property is sold.

The editorial (“IJ recommends no vote on San Rafael Measure W,” Oct. 6) says that, if it passes, the property transfer tax would be “highest in Marin.” But San Rafael is Marin’s only charter city, making comparisons with other Marin municipalities inappropriate. Regional charter cities such as Albany (1.5%) and San Leandro (1.1%) provide more meaningful comparisons.

The assertion that Measure W raises “more than the city needs” seems to ignore documented needs. San Rafael faces a $4 million annual shortfall for streets and sidewalks alone, before addressing aging storm drains, increasing emergency-response demands and sustainable funding for our successful SAFE Team.

Finally, predictions that Measure W will hurt home sales deserve scrutiny. Publicly available sales data from other cities that increased their transfer taxes does not show the dramatic decline predicted by opponents. While many factors influence housing markets, actual experience deserves consideration alongside industry predictions.

Our entire City Council, former Mayor Gary Phillips and San Rafael police officers support Measure W because we’ve listened to our community and heard clearly that residents want continued investment in public safety, infrastructure and the quality of life that makes San Rafael special.

Voters deserve the opportunity to decide what kind of San Rafael we want for the future. Learn more at yesonwforsanrafael.com.

— Mayor Kate Colin, San Rafael