UPDATE: Candidate Says He Was Cut Out of Town Hall Meeting on Measure V, Sales Tax Increase Proposal

NOTE: This story was updated on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012

A Healdsburg City Council candidate says he was denied speaking privileges at a Town Hall Meeting to discuss Measure V, the city's proposal on the Nov. 6 ballot for a half-cent increase in the sales tax.

The Town Hall will be 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at Healdsburg City Hall.

Candidate Tim Meinken, who runs a winery in Healdsburg, is the only one of six candidates for three City Council seats opposed to the increase. He said previously he thinks it will be a deterrent to business.

Healdsburg announced the scheduling of the Town Hall event last week, as reported in Patch. But this week, according to the Press Democrat, Meinken said he was denied a speaking slot at the event.

To read the article, click here.

Meinken also is speaking out in opposition to the city's handling of the loss of redevelopment funds.

If approved by voters, Measure V would increase city sales taxes from their current 8 percent to 8.5 percent.

City leaders say the additional revenue is crucial to maintain city services. Both Mayor Gary Plass and who are both running for re-election, said at the recent candidates forum that they support the increase.

Council candidates Shaun McCaffery and Dennis Brown have also said they also support the sales tax increase, which they said would mostly be paid by tourists who shop or dine in Healdsburg.

Plass and City Councilman Jim Wood stated the case in favor of Measure V in an op-ed in the Press Democrat last week. To read the op-ed, click here.

What do you think? Come to the Town Hall or post a comment below.

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