Vacation-home proposal latest example of city’s tax-first mindset

Re “Econometer: Should San Diego pursue a vacation-home tax ballot measure?” (Oct. 31):  Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera’s idea to layer on another tax on properties owned as second homes or vacation rentals should be DOA. Although it is of a piece with this council’s lazy approach to policy, where the solution to every problem is more taxes, there is a better way forward.

Second homes are actually good for the local economy. They pay full taxes, supporting our schools, road maintenance, parks and so forth, but they hardly use city services at all. Instead of turning off this flow of free money, how about the city simply earmarks existing taxes on these properties to create an affordable housing fund? Win-win, no?

If, even in a good economy, this council cannot balance the budget, most of us would know what to do: if we can’t get more income, we reduce expenses. Just like momma taught us. We make hard choices.

Any questions?

— Don Billings, Rancho Santa Fe