NEWPORT BEACH : City Gives Measure J Conditional Backing

The City Council has conditionally endorsed Measure J, the jail tax initiative, with a resolution that calls for more specifics about how proceeds from the half-cent sales tax increase would be used.

“We need to know where the money is going to be spent in the next 30 years,” Councilwoman Evelyn R. Hart said. “Blank checks are not something we need to be endorsing.”

“We approve it in concept, but we want it to be more specific,” Mayor Phil Sansone added.

Hart’s comment referred to what she and other members of the council said were vague references to how the money would be used. The controversial measure would boost the county sales tax to 7% in an attempt to raise money for a new jail in Gypsum Canyon to ease overcrowding. Voters will decide Measure J’s fate on May 14.

Although Councilman John Hedges later joined in the unanimous vote in favor of the resolution, he first questioned its usefulness. “Are we doing any good by passing a resolution (that) kind of supports (Measure J), kind of not?” he asked.