By DENNIS DONOHUE, Guest commentary
Updated: 02/03/2011 08:19:18 AM PST
Gov. Jerry Brown recently released a budget proposal that includes eliminating redevelopment agencies and enterprise zones.
The proposal, if enacted, would eliminate the Salinas Redevelopment Agency and its three redevelopment project areas, as well as numerous redevelopment agencies throughout Monterey County.
It would eliminate the newly established Salinas Valley Enterprise Zone, which is just starting to provide economic benefits for the Salinas Valley.
The proposal violates the will of the people and will have grave consequences on California’s economy. In November, voters approved Proposition 22, reaffirming the message we have sent again and again — local tax funds should remain local and pay for services and programs locally.
Without its Redevelopment Agency, our community will be forced to give up its most important tool for economic development, but more importantly, its only means to improve neighborhoods plagued by slums and blight.
