Prop. 424 sales-tax hike will keep Tempe safe, strong

Janet Hamlin

Submitted photo/Janet Hamlin

Tell Us What You Think

What are your thoughts on Tempe Proposition 424, a half-cent sales tax that goes to voters in November? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

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OPINION — I have lived in Tempe long enough to see our city grow, change and overcome its share of challenges. Through it all, the things that make Tempe special have stayed the same: neighbors who look out for one another, safe places to live and play and opportunities for families to build a good life here.

Proposition 424 on the Nov. 3 ballot is about protecting those values and planning for the future. When there’s an emergency in Tempe, we count on firefighters, paramedics and police officers to be there fast. Proposition 424 helps keep those emergency services strong by supporting the people, tools and training they rely on to respond when we need them most.

It also strengthens the transportation options many of us use every day. A growing city needs ways to get around that are safe, reliable and accessible for everyone.

For young children and their families, 424 means more support for Tempe PRE and early childhood education. It will add preschool classrooms and make it easier for qualifying families to access high-quality early learning so kids can start kindergarten ready to succeed.

Keeping these services strong comes at a modest and shared cost. The proposed 0.5% sales tax would add 5 cents to every $10 taxable purchase, while groceries and food for home consumption stay at the current rate. Because everyone who spends money here contributes, the burden does not fall only on Tempe residents.

Tempe has always stepped up to invest in its people and its future. Proposition424 is our chance to keep Tempe safe and strong.

Let’s keep Tempe moving forward by voting yes on Proposition 424.

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