Memo From Mayor Antonio Villaraiogsa To City Council Regarding "Modern Communications Tax" Ordinance for This February's Ballot

A memo from Los Angeles Mayor (what a shame) Antonio Villaraigosa

October 2, 2007
Honorable Members of the City Council

RE: CAO RECOMMENDATION REGARDING MODERN COMMUNICATIONS TAX ORDINANCE

Honorable Members:

The City Administrative Officer has raised compelling and significant issues regarding the ongoing legal challenges of the telephone users tax and the need to remove the uncertainty in the ongoing collection of this General Fund revenue to ensure continuation of municipal services. Given the magnitude of the loss of $270 million from this revenue source, the CAO recommends seeking voter approval of a modern communications tax as the prudent action. The CAO further recommends placing a modern communication tax measure on the February 5, 2008 Presidential Primary Election Ballot that would reduce the current tax from ten percent to nine percent and treat all telecommunications users fairly.

I concur with the CAO's recommendation and urge you to request the City Attorney to prepare and present all resolutions, ordinances and related documents necessary to place the modern communications tax ballot measure on the February 5, 2008 Presidential Primary Election Ballot.

Thank you for considering this recommendation.

Very truly yours,

ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGSOA
Mayor

zumadogg@gmail.com