I strongly oppose implementing the Resident Vehicle Incentive Program. Because interest rates are dropping, it will already be easier for residents to purchase cars. An additional costly incentive is not necessary. If Orange auto dealerships are providing customers with excellent service and quality cars with competitive prices, there should be no problem attracting resident purchasers without this proposed program. The majority of the car dealerships in Orange are owned by the same family company with many connections to Orange City Council members, not a good optic for implementation of this program. On my last visit to Toyota of Orange, it did not appear that they were lacking customers. Our city should not be picking and choosing which companies should be benefiting from such a program. $1,550,00 could go a long way in providing or maintaining services for our public libraries or the Orange Senior Center. Thank you.
The Summary and Strategic Plan Goals for the Resident Vehicle Incentive Program for new, used and leased vehicles, sound good, but they are not true. This Program does not include all Orange auto dealerships nor does it encourage support of all, not even “many” local businesses. It only benefits 5 car dealerships in the City of Orange, 4 of which are owned by Wilson Automotive. There are numerous other used car dealerships in the City of Orange whose sales would also qualify for this program and whose business benefits the City of Orange. See the list below. It is wrong to discriminate against these other dealerships in the City of Orange.
As for leased vehicles, since they are usually paid on a monthly basis and the sales tax is calculated & paid monthly, how do you apply this Incentive Program?
Since the Program is contingent on passage of Measure Z, the ½ cent sales tax measure, I am questioning the amount of $500 for the rebate. Doing the calculation of the Measure Z ½ cent sales tax for the minimum sales price of $20,000 equates to $100. How was the $500 rebate calculated? It must also be noted the $500 rebate essentially ends up back in the hands of only the 5 listed car dealerships.
It also must be noted Wilson Automotive has been donating to City of Orange political candidates for several years and has also funded political action committees (PACs) sending out information (some of it false) about candidates running against their chosen candidates for City Council and Mayor. I would suggest any sitting Council members who have benefited from donations by Wilson Automotive and/or their funded PACS, abstain from voting on this measure as it stands.
I do not support this proposed Incentive Program as presented.
Following is a list of 11 auto dealers in Orange which should also qualify for this Program:
Auto Connections
Auto Republic
B & J Car Company
Best Deal Auto Brokers
Bruns Motors
EZE Auto Brokers
Enterprise Car Sales
Pennington’s Auto Sales
Ponda Auto Family
Premier Car Source
Southern California Preowned
Is this gift of taxpayers money legal?
I strongly oppose implementing the Resident Vehicle Incentive Program. Because interest rates are dropping, it will already be easier for residents to purchase cars. An additional costly incentive is not necessary. If Orange auto dealerships are providing customers with excellent service and quality cars with competitive prices, there should be no problem attracting resident purchasers without this proposed program. The majority of the car dealerships in Orange are owned by the same family company with many connections to Orange City Council members, not a good optic for implementation of this program. On my last visit to Toyota of Orange, it did not appear that they were lacking customers. Our city should not be picking and choosing which companies should be benefiting from such a program. $1,550,00 could go a long way in providing or maintaining services for our public libraries or the Orange Senior Center. Thank you.
The Summary and Strategic Plan Goals for the Resident Vehicle Incentive Program for new, used and leased vehicles, sound good, but they are not true. This Program does not include all Orange auto dealerships nor does it encourage support of all, not even “many” local businesses. It only benefits 5 car dealerships in the City of Orange, 4 of which are owned by Wilson Automotive. There are numerous other used car dealerships in the City of Orange whose sales would also qualify for this program and whose business benefits the City of Orange. See the list below. It is wrong to discriminate against these other dealerships in the City of Orange.
As for leased vehicles, since they are usually paid on a monthly basis and the sales tax is calculated & paid monthly, how do you apply this Incentive Program?
Since the Program is contingent on passage of Measure Z, the ½ cent sales tax measure, I am questioning the amount of $500 for the rebate. Doing the calculation of the Measure Z ½ cent sales tax for the minimum sales price of $20,000 equates to $100. How was the $500 rebate calculated? It must also be noted the $500 rebate essentially ends up back in the hands of only the 5 listed car dealerships.
It also must be noted Wilson Automotive has been donating to City of Orange political candidates for several years and has also funded political action committees (PACs) sending out information (some of it false) about candidates running against their chosen candidates for City Council and Mayor. I would suggest any sitting Council members who have benefited from donations by Wilson Automotive and/or their funded PACS, abstain from voting on this measure as it stands.
I do not support this proposed Incentive Program as presented.
Following is a list of 11 auto dealers in Orange which should also qualify for this Program:
Auto Connections
Auto Republic
B & J Car Company
Best Deal Auto Brokers
Bruns Motors
EZE Auto Brokers
Enterprise Car Sales
Pennington’s Auto Sales
Ponda Auto Family
Premier Car Source
Southern California Preowned