BY BRADEN CARTWRIGHT
Daily Post Staff Writer
A campaign to increase Palo Alto’s sales tax to fund a land deal and renovations at the Cubberley Community Center has raised $120,206 from some of the more recognizable names in local politics.
All seven council members and five school board members have donated at least $100 to the “Yes on Measure J” campaign. Councilman Keith Reckdahl donated the most ($1,000), campaign finance forms show.
Former school board member Jennifer DiBrienza, who is leading the cam-paign, donated $10,000.
The campaign has also received donations from state Sen. Josh Becker ($500), Assemblyman Marc Berman ($2,500) and former Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian ($1,500).
Nonprofit donors include Avenidas ($10,000), TheatreWorks Silicon Valley ($5,000), Palo Alto Community Child Care ($4,500), HeartFit For Life ($5,000) and Friends of the Palo Alto Library ($1,000).
Opponents to Measure J haven’t done any fundraising. The ballot agreement against the sales tax was signed by former Mayor Lydia Kou.
The tax hike is expected to bring in $15.6 million per year, with no expira-tion. It needs majority approval to pass.
If voters also approve a sales tax increase for Bay Area transit agencies, then Palo Alto’s sales tax would be 10.75%.
The filings show that DiBrienza and her husband (different last name) have given about $22,000 to the Measure J campaign. There’s nothing wrong with that, but worth pointing out.