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Fiscal Responsibility

Are Taxpayers Ready to Pay the Price for Builder's Remedy? The Truth Behind TenSouth's Influence.

Follow the Money: TenSouth's Influence in Local Elections

As of October 24, 2024, FPPC 460 filings reveal that an entity linked to TenSouth, a developer, has spent substantial sums in multiple California elections to support candidates who may prioritize developer interests over taxpayer needs. Here’s the current spending breakdown:

  • Gilroy:
    • Against Marie Blankley (Mayor): $51,750.00
    • Supporting Fred Tovar (Council): $28,750.00
    • Supporting Greg Bozzo (Council): $23,750 [$11,500.00 (form 460) + 12,250.00 (10/25 form 496)]
    • Supporting Zach Hilton (Council): $23,000.00
    • Supporting Rebeca Armendariz (Council): $11,500.00
  • Morgan Hill:
    • Supporting Mark Turner (Mayor): $38,586.56
  • Roseville:
    • Supporting Scott Alvord (Council): $8,750.00

These candidates, backed by significant funds, may be more inclined to support policies like the builder’s remedy, which could transfer financial burdens to taxpayers.

What is the Builder’s Remedy and Why Should Taxpayers Care?

Builder’s remedy is a provision that allows developers to bypass local zoning restrictions if a locality’s housing element does not substantially comply with state law. While this policy is intended to accelerate housing development, it often comes at a high cost to taxpayers. Here’s how it works:

  • Shifting Costs to Residents: Normally, developers are responsible for funding infrastructure improvements—like water, sewage, roads, and traffic lighting—to support their projects. Under the builder’s remedy, these costs may fall to the city instead, meaning taxpayers foot the bill.
  • Increased Local Fees and Taxes: When a city’s infrastructure struggles to support rapid growth, it can lead to tax hikes or new fees to cover the necessary upgrades. This means taxpayers may be paying more, not for their own benefit, but to support a developer’s project.
  • Strain on Public Services: High-density developments can increase the demand on schools, emergency services, and public utilities, potentially lowering service quality unless new funding is secured. This often results in future bonds or levies that impact taxpayers directly.

The True Cost of Developer Influence in Elections

When developers spend heavily in local elections, they are not just supporting candidates—they’re potentially influencing decisions that affect every taxpayer. Consider these outcomes:

  1. Loss of Local Control: Candidates backed by developers may feel compelled to support builder’s remedy projects, which bypass local zoning and planning processes. This weakens the community’s voice in shaping its future and prioritizes developer profits over resident needs.
  2. Higher Long-Term Expenses for Taxpayers: The infrastructure needed for these developments—roads, water systems, parks, and public services—often becomes a long-term financial responsibility for the city. Residents may see higher taxes and reduced resources to cover the ongoing costs.
  3. Strain on Schools and Emergency Services: Rapid, high-density development increases demand on schools, fire departments, and police services. Without additional funding, quality may decline, often requiring new taxes or bonds to expand these essential services—costs that fall on taxpayers.

In Summary

TenSouth’s heavy spending in these elections raises critical questions about who will truly benefit if their preferred candidates win. When developers influence local leadership, taxpayers are often left to cover the financial and social costs.

Ask yourself: Are you ready to pay the price for decisions shaped by developer interests?


👉 To learn more about the developer-funded election interference and who is behind it, click here.

 

Statement: Please note that I have not sent, and I have no plans to send, any mailers for my campaign. My focus is on direct, transparent communication through digital platforms and community engagement.

Disclaimer: The information presented here is based on publicly available records and by my independent research. No accusations or allegations are being made; this information is provided solely for transparency and public awareness.





Stefanie Elle for City Council 2024
FPPC# 1468396
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