05/09/2026
I do not support Measure T, also known as the proposed TOT tax increase.
One of my biggest concerns is the comparison being made between Hanford and larger cities like Los Angeles when discussing tourism and economic impact tied to major events such as the Super Bowl or Olympics. Hanford is not Los Angeles. The population, tourism volume, economy, and level of outside spending are completely different.
I also believe people underestimate how much pricing affects travel decisions. Families, sports teams, tournament organizers, and business travelers often compare hotel costs and taxes between nearby cities before deciding where to stay. Even modest increases can add up during a multi-day trip. For many travelers, saving $30 or $40 matters because that money can instead go toward gas, food, shopping, or other expenses.
My concern is that increasing the TOT could make Hanford less competitive when it comes to attracting overnight visitors, tournaments, and travel-related spending that supports local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
I also believe voters should understand that Measure T is a general tax. The revenue is not legally required to stay dedicated specifically to public safety, parks, or roads. If additional taxes are being requested, there should be stronger accountability, clearer spending guarantees, and comparisons that realistically reflect Hanford’s local economy.
When I served on the council, we focused heavily on growing the city’s tax base instead of relying on raising taxes on residents and visitors. We worked to attract projects and businesses that generated long-term revenue for the community. Examples included bringing Costco to Hanford, supporting cannabis-related revenue opportunities, and creating community events like Winter Wonderland that helped generate economic activity.
During the time I left office, the City of Hanford also had a reported $4.2 million surplus, which was the first surplus the city had seen in approximately 12 years. To me, that showed it was possible to improve city finances through economic growth, business development, and expanding revenue sources rather than continuing to place additional tax burdens on residents and visitors.
I believe the solution is not simply raising taxes. The better long-term approach is creating incentives for businesses, encouraging development, attracting visitors, and expanding economic opportunities that naturally grow city revenue without placing additional financial pressure on residents, travelers, and local businesses.
For those reasons, I do not support Measure T or the proposed TOT tax increase.
