San Jose

San Jose Mayor Announces New Measure to Help Understaffed Police, Fire Departments

Mayor Sam Liccardo on Monday launched a campaign for Measure B, a temporary quarter-cent tax to fund the struggling departments.

There is a new effort to beef up strained police and fire services in San Jose.

Mayor Sam Liccardo on Monday launched a campaign for Measure B, a temporary quarter-cent tax to fund the struggling departments.

The announcement was made in front of Fire Station 30 on Auzerais Avenue. In February, the station had to wait for backup to fight a fire across the street because the station did not have a water truck due to budget cuts.

"We are now in a position where we can cut no more," Liccardo said. "And we cannot cut our way to restore public services, particularly public safety."

Opponents said local governments should cut unnecessary spending rather than create new taxes.

If Measure B passes, the tax will last for 15 years.

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