Re “Another sales tax vote? Unions, nonprofits team up to get countywide half-cent hike on 2026 ballot” (Dec. 24): Local labor unions are rallying behind the proposed tax increase, but their enthusiasm deserves scrutiny. This isn’t a neutral endorsement grounded in broad civic interest; it’s a strategic move by groups that stand to gain from new revenue.
For years, the city and county have delayed basic infrastructure repairs and routine maintenance. Residents now face aging roads, unreliable facilities and systems long past their intended lifespan. Yet instead of guaranteeing that new tax dollars will finally address these overdue needs, unions seem intent on directing the funds toward higher wages and expanded benefits for municipal employees.
Advocating for workers is legitimate. But when a tax measure is sold as a fix for deteriorating infrastructure, voters deserve confidence that the money will be used accordingly. Allowing special interest groups to shape the narrative risks eroding trust and diverting resources from the region’s most urgent priorities.
— Michael Guerrero, El Cajon