How is Measure A different from Measure E, the last parcel tax proposal?
Several ways: The structure is different (residences and businesses are taxed at the same rate, responding to the opposition’s criticism of Measure E). It asks for less money ($12 million per year vs. $14 million last time). It’s more specific (it assigns specific percentages of the proceeds to specific school programs). And it’s the product of a consultative process and has received broader support (the district held extensive consultations and public hearings to factor in the community’s input, and as a result, organizations including the Alameda Chamber of Commerce and West Alameda Business Association — which did not endorse Measure E — have endorsed Measure A). Measure E also would have taxed all residences the same amount ($659 per year). Some voters thought this was “regressive” because owners of small houses would have paid just as much as owners of large houses. Under the new Measure A, people with larger houses will pay more than people with smaller houses. Still, the vast
