City council members and city managers, both present and previous, have consistently resisted an audit that would satisfy their own Measure A advisory committee. City staff have cited their inability to audit the measure due to the revenues being included in the general fund or pivoting to stating that the Measure A funds have been audited and their are no issues.
CUAD takes exception to these positions. CUAD considers Measure A the “Third Rail” of politics in this city. The sales tax is a substantial revenue source for the city. The Measure was to sunset this year and the city, in the opinion of CUAD, was rather expeditious in its desire to pass the measure at the end of 2023. All of the council members voted for continuing the tax with the exception of Councilwoman Padilla who was concerned that greater consideration might need to be given the measure prior to voting.
City staff provided information to the city council relative to failure to continue the measure and the negative impacts it would have on the city. CUAD’s concern is that Measure A funds, 35% to fund bankruptcy issues, 65% for public safety, may or may not be being spent according to the spirit of the measure.
Over the years, the lack of police officers has been directly related to lack of funding among other issues. Without a clear and detailed audit of funds coming in and going out, like audits related to Stockton measures M and W, it is impossible for a citizen’s group like CUAD to refute city’s staffs claims of lack of funding for police or any need in the city for that matter.
This is not a new issue. Independent audit sought into use of Stockton’s Measure A
A recent Stockton Police Officers Association post was commented on by Measure A committee member, Tony Mannor. Mr. Mannor created this Facebook post specifically to speak about Measure A:
CUAD considers the transparency of the use of Measure A funds for the utmost concern and will continue to address the issue with the City manager and council.