Yes on Measure G and L, Seaside’s proposed cannabis tax and sales tax increase.

Seaside’s future is on the right track, and we’re not talking about a horse track. There’s a relatively new city manager, Craig Malin, who’s got a clear vision for improving government services and getting Seaside’s finances in order, plus a new city councilmember, Kayla Jones, who’s tipped the balance of power in favor of a more progressive, forward-looking vision. That, combined with a new economic development strategy that does not include Monterey Downs, a proposal for a horse track – plus other land deals in the works for other prime pieces of Seaside property – mean things are looking up.

But those land deals are still a ways off, and to help the city bridge the gap until then, City Council is asking voters to approve two tax measure this June 6. The Weeklyeditorial board recommends yes on both measures G and L.

Measure L, a half-cent sales tax, would generate an estimated $1.9 million annually for the city’s general fund. Measure G would tax cannabis sales in the city at 10 percent as statewide legalization phases in and dispensaries open up shop.

City Council waited on suggesting a cannabis tax until voters went to the polls last November, and 68 percent of Seaside voters said yes to Prop. 64, legalizing recreational pot. That was even higher than countywide, where 63 percent of voters said yes. (While doing an off-season election will cost the city close close to $100,000, it was smart to wait and see what voters did when it came to Prop. 64. As Malin says, “Seaside has long history of being an Army base. There are some long memories about drug use here.” We’re happy to see those memories aren’t holding Seaside back anymore, and they’re recognizing the benefits.)

City Council voted unanimously to put both measures on the ballot, and there is no opposition argument on file. That kind of broad-based support will be helpful in approaching Seaside’s fiscal challenges.

Combined, the tax measures won’t come close to solving all of Seaside’s problems – Malin estimates there are some $194 million in unmet capital needs, like stormwater system upgrades and road repairs, and federal grants that pay three firefighter salaries are running out – but they will help. (Other new sources of revenue will also chip away at those problems: The countywide transportation tax Measure X, which passed in November, and the statewide gas tax increase, SB 1.)

Considering that Seaside lags behind its neighboring Peninsula cities when it comes to tax revenue per capita, Seaside needs a strong future plan, including hotels. According to analysis by Seaside’s budget staff, Monterey’s tax revenue per resident is $2,504, Pacific Grove’s $1,400, Marina’s is $896 and Seaside’s is $875.

The real opportunity to help close those gaps lies in the redevelopment of Broadway as a real downtown, and the city is doing its part with a major revamp in progress. Part of that progress includes the city opening a downtown office to answer questions and assist with permitting. City officials also have plans to sell chunks of underutilized land on the former Fort Ord to make way for commerce: “We’re going to build a campus town,” Malin says.

Until Seaside gets there – and while the vision is in motion, considering most thriving campus towns don’t spring up overnight – voters can help Seaside get fiscal stability with L and G.

The Weekly’s editorial board is Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve, Publisher Erik Cushman, Editor Sara Rubin and Managing Editor Mark C. Anderson.