Editor:
As a 5th generation Piedmonter who raised my children here, and a Realtor who does a great deal of business in our city, I’m writing to urge you, my neighbors, to support Measure GG.
Current and future residents expect quick police and fire response times, beautiful and sustainable parks, and roads without potholes. Piedmont’s transfer tax was last increased 33 years ago. In that time, the costs of our essential services — police, fire, public works — have gone up dramatically. Our city employees are being asked every day to do more with less.
The transfer tax is only paid when you buy or sell a home. As a practicing 44-year real estate broker, I assure you this is one of the smaller costs of a typical transaction in Piedmont. Even with the modest increase of Measure GG, Piedmont’s transfer tax will still be lower than our neighboring cities.
I am puzzled by the anti-GG campaign, which is funded by the National Association of Realtors. They don’t live here. They don’t understand how Piedmont’s finances work. They are sending mailers that are full of misinformation. It is embarrassing to me and to the other local real estate professionals who support Piedmont.
Measure GG is a reasonable, necessary, and prudent way to generate additional funds to keep our community the strong and vibrant place it is. Please join me in supporting Measure GG.
Sincerely,
––Anian Petit Tunney, Realtor
