“Safe streets, dependable emergency services, and well-maintained public spaces take investment. That’s why we’re voting yes on Measure GG.”

-Dan and Jill Saper

“Piedmont residents have come to expect responsive emergency services delivered by highly trained, professional public safety personnel. Maintaining those services requires sustained investment, careful financial planning, and an ongoing commitment from the community. That is why I believe the passage of Measure GG is so important to Piedmont’s future.”

-Jeremy Bowers, Chief of Police (Ret.)

“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.”

-Anian Petit Tunney, Realtor

I strongly encourage those reading this to vote yes on Measure GG. I previously spent six years on Piedmont’s Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee, including two years as Chair. During that time period, the Committee consistently pointed out the City is facing increasing costs due to inflation and growing need for infrastructure maintenance and capital investment to maintain the level of services that Piedmont residents expect. Given that the City is primarily reliant on property-related tax revenue, and as the Committee pointed out in prior reports, increasing the Transfer Tax as proposed in Measure GG is “the most broadbased and sustainable source for material additional revenue.”

-Frank Ryan

We support Measure GG in the hope that the generated revenue can keep our essential services strong and continue to address other important traffic and pedestrian safety projects around town.

–Amy and Tom McKenzie

Piedmont is a town of volunteers, in our schools, in our community, and in our city government. We all contribute time, energy, knowledge, and tax dollars to help maintain our community. I urge you to join me in supporting Measure GG. It will go a long way toward helping our city and our community going forward.

–Nancy McHugh

Measure GG offers a responsible way to help address these needs and preserve the public services and infrastructure that make Piedmont such a desirable place to live. Deferring necessary maintenance risks making repairs more expensive in the future.

As residents, we have a responsibility to plan ahead and preserve our community’s quality for future generations. I believe the long-term benefits of Measure GG outweigh the additional real estate transaction costs.

–Pamela Fullerton, Realtor

“As you may be aware, the City of Piedmont’s annual budget is heavily dependent on real estate-related taxes, including transfer taxes, which account for about 10% of the City’s General Fund budget. The transfer tax, which is assessed only when one’s Piedmont property is sold, has not changed since 1993. One good year of transfer taxes does not change the structure of the City’s annual budget. …

“As one who was instrumental in the establishment of the BAFP committee, it is an open and transparent budget and planning process with all hearings open to the public. BAFP has a longterm view in the planning process and strongly recommended an increase in the City’s transfer tax rate to 1.75% of the sales price, which is within the range of other Alameda County cities.”

-John Chiang, former Piedmont Mayor

“Piedmont has great schools, safe streets, fast emergency response, and a strong sense of community. It’s easy to assume a city like ours has vast financial resources. I assumed that too before joining the committee. In reality, our city’s budget is more constrained than many residents realize.

“Piedmont is almost entirely residential, so nearly all of our revenue comes from property: property taxes, the parcel tax, and the transfer tax paid when a home sells. Meanwhile, most nearby cities benefit from much larger commercial and industrial tax bases. Without that kind of tax revenue, Piedmont depends on the transfer tax in a way our neighbors simply don’t.”

-Billy Deitch

“As recent buyers, we can say that an additional one-time cost as represented by Measure GG would not have changed our decision to purchase a home in Piedmont. The quality of city services was a much more significant factor in our decision. Looking ahead, I am concerned that an inability to maintain these important city services could diminish the qualities that make Piedmont an attractive place to live.”

-Katy Morsony

“When I was young, Piedmont Recreation Department programs were instrumental in my development and helped form the person I am today. When I was fortunate enough to serve as Piedmont’s Recreation Director and later as City Administrator, I gained insight into the ongoing cost of the many services provided by the City of Piedmont to the community. From streets to parks, sidewalks to police cars, fire apparatus to building maintenance, the costs to provide essential services to Piedmont have continued to rise.

“Piedmonters understand the value of ongoing investment, especially in community services and assets. Supporting Measure GG is a way to keep up and keep Piedmont moving forward for years to come.”

-Sara Lillevand
Retired City Administrator

“My family moved to Piedmont for the schools AND for the public safety. Having a local police and fire department won’t protect everyone from all crimes and accidents, but knowing that our professional first responders have the ability to respond in 5 minutes or less is very reassuring.

“When people ask me what Measure GG will support, I tell them it will support what our community values. It will support all the things that make Piedmont a safe place to live and raise our families. Please join me in voting Yes on Measure GG.”

-Kim Hunter
Retired Alameda County Senior Deputy District Attorney

“We are writing to Piedmont voters to urge a YES vote on Measure GG. Our families planted roots in Piedmont more than 100 years ago. We have made our home here because Piedmont offers a unique combination of small-town ambiance with strong public safety, outstanding public schools and excellent quality of life amenities such as beautiful parks, strong recreation programs and lovely public spaces.

“We believe the financial experts who are telling us we soon will have a shortfall in revenues to pay for existing city services, facilities and infrastructure. The cuts that will come if that happens, most likely starting with “quality of life” expenses, threaten the things we hold most dear about Piedmont.”

-Fran Bishopric Wolfe and Cameron Wolfe, Jr.

“The good news is that we live in a community that prioritizes recreation. Our Piedmont Recreation Department provides all sorts of programming for kids and adults, and helps organize amazing community events like Food Truck Fridays, Movies in the Park, and our beloved Harvest Festival. The not so good news is that we are falling behind on maintaining the very parks, fields, and facilities where these amazing recreational activities take place. Please join me in supporting what we like best about living in Piedmont, please join me in supporting Measure GG.”

- Chris Hart
Piedmont Recreation Commissioner
Past President PHS Boosters

“Piedmont Beautification Foundation (PBF) strongly urges all Piedmont residents to vote YES on Measure GG. During our September meeting, PBF Trustees and Advisors engaged in a thorough and thoughtful discussion regarding the City’s financial future. … Following this discussion, our Trustees voted unanimously to endorse this modest, necessary increase in the City’s Real Property Transfer Tax.

“… Piedmont faces a long-term gap between the costs of maintaining our current infrastructure and available revenue. Without action, the outlook for these vital community programs remains bleak.

“The proposed increase to the Transfer Tax is a responsible, forward-thinking solution.”

- Patty Dunlap
President, PBF

“The strength of our public schools is intertwined with the strength of our City. Police, fire, public works, schoolmates, and PMS sports are all priorities for our residents and part of the services provided by the City of Piedmont. Piedmont voters passed Measure H to support our schools, and now it’s time for voters to pass Measure GG to support our City.”

- Ruchi Medhekar