Editorial: Timely Tax

We can all love the tax on the ballot, called Measure M. It will help us pay for beaches, lifeguards, parks, streets, and other community services we provide. The best part of this tax is that is not paid by Delmarians. The tax (TOT) is paid by visitors who stay at our short term rentals (STRs) so it is their fair share. Hotel visitors already pay their share. Measure M provides for visitors in these STR mini hotels in our neighborhoods to pay at the same rate.

Our City Council recently passed an ordinance which legitimizes all existing STR operations and capped them at 5% of the housing stock. New STRs cannot be started at this time because the number of existing rentals slightly exceeds the cap.  Most California cities already allow STRs, although several cities have banned them completely.

Del Mar will be the last city in the state to authorize the tax. So lets vote for Measure M to give visitors the opportunity to pay their fair share of keeping our city in good shape.

City Council and Mayor

Only three candidates filed for three Council seats so there has been no campaigning for this election. However, there is a reason to be careful with our votes. By tradition, the candidates with the most votes will spend one year of their term as our mayor. Del Mar’s reputation in the region and beyond is reflected in that mayor’s behavior. Given the fact that Dan Quirk was twice censured for disclosure violations and abusive behavior toward city staff members, do we want him as the mayoral face of Del Mar? We recommend voting for Tracy Martinez and John Spelich only so they will each have a turn as Del Mar Mayor.