Blaming vacation rentals for housing shortage doesn’t add up

Re “New tax on vacation homes? Proposed San Diego ballot measure would target second homes, short-term rentals” (Oct. 21): Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera’s proposed $5,000-per-bed tax on vacation rentals relies on faulty logic. San Diego doesn’t have a revenue problem — it has a spending-priorities problem. The city budget is publicly available, but residents rarely get an honest explanation of why costs keep climbing. Salaries, pensions and benefits rise steadily, and political motives — including keeping powerful unions satisfied — drive many of those decisions. That’s not hidden spending, but it’s far from real accountability.

Blaming vacation rentals for the housing shortage is as unconvincing as blaming “greedy oil companies” for high gas prices. If greed were the cause, gas wouldn’t instantly get cheaper when you cross into Arizona. The difference comes from taxes, fees and regulation.

Instead of adding new taxes, the city should level with residents, justify its spending choices and demonstrate responsible stewardship of the money it already collects.

— PJ Gautille, University Heights