I’m a homeowner and I support Measure N. I’m concerned the Sentinel refuses to support the Empty Home Tax. Stephen Kessler’s claim that only a paltry amount will be raised is false – the city estimates Measure N will raise $2.5-$4 million annually and will cover its costs. Mark Primack and Kessler fear the forms. The simple self-report is the least invasive option to determine vacancy. It’s a one question, yearly, self-report form, rather than a complicated “notice of vacancy” Oakland’s vacancy tax uses (which raised $7 million in one year). While Primack and Kessler own multiple properties, the vast majority of Santa Cruzans struggle to afford this city. Let’s not allow out-of-county real estate moguls to purchase our votes with uninformed claims. Read emptyhometax.org for the truth.

I just watched an elderly woman staggering under Branciforte Bridge wearing a tattered garbage bag. I know Santa Cruzans want to do more. Vote Yes on Measure N.

— Ann Simonton, Santa Cruz

The Sentinel welcomes your letters to the editor. Letters should be short, no more than 150 words. We do not accept anonymous letters. Letter-writers should include their full name as well as a street address and telephone number. We don’t publish those details in the newspaper, but need the information for verification purposes. Occasionally, we reject letters simply because we’ve had so many on the same subject. Submit your letters online at www.santacruzsentinel.com/submit-letters.

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