Residents air differences over Mesa tax proposals

Justin Juozapavicius The Arizona Republic Apr. 28, 2006 12:00 AM

MESA - Mesa is either on the financial ropes or pulling off one of the biggest tax cons in history.

The sprawling city of 450,000 is either a victim of circumstance or a willing accomplice in its own demise.

Residents heard a tale of two cities during Thursday's Arizona Republic debate on the city's first property tax in 60 years and a half-cent sales tax increase, which voters will decide May 16.

About 200 residents packed the City Council chambers during a two-hour debate that produced several rounds of applause for both sides, plenty of heckling and loaded political statements by some audience members. Before the debate, residents held rallies about two blocks apart. Supporters staked out a spot in front of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and walked to the City Council chambers, where opponents were waiting with a 20-foot-long banner that read, "shameonmesa.org."

At one point, a heated argument broke out between two residents over the proposed taxes, and four more joined in.

"This is Robin Hood in reverse," said Councilman Tom Rawles, one of four panelists who debated the taxes. Rawles, a Libertarian, said a few Mesa elites are asking the middle class to "pay for their toys."

Bob Hisserich, former City Council candidate, joined Rawles on the "no" side.

Mayor Keno Hawker and former lawmaker Mark Killian spoke in favor of the taxes, saying essential services have not kept pace with the city's rapid growth.

"We have more payday loan stores and 99-cent stores than any other city in the Valley," Killian said.

Opponents of the taxes blame City Hall for squandering their money on one mile of light rail and a lavish arts center instead of monitoring looming bond debt payments and basic infrastructure upkeep, such as street repairs.

They say Mesa is asking for a $70 million handout after going on a 10-year spending spree and don't trust city officials to spend any new money wisely.

But supporters of the taxes say Mesa has cut plenty - to the tune of $51 million-plus over the past five years - and needs the money for overdue road repairs, fire stations and hundreds of staff positions on the chopping block. They also say revenue from a property tax would provide the stable source of revenue Mesa has long coveted.