David Gonzalez
Staff Writer
The debate team and Young Republicans presented a public debate on Tuesday evening regarding Proposition 6, which will decide if the current gas tax will be repealed.
The gas tax in question coincides with the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, which increased fuel taxes to raise $52.4 billion for repairs to California infrastructure.
The lighthearted, informative debate had no winner or judge. Each group’s primary goal was to provide information about Proposition 6, so people can be more informed if they choose to vote on Nov. 6.
Marisa Saldaña, senior communications major, began the debate with an opening statement for the Young Republicans. Saldaña’s partner was Caleb Johnson, junior criminology and speech communication major.
“Proposition 6 is theft,” Saldaña said. “It is theft of your money and right to representation.”
Saldaña said that the government’s ability to implement the gas tax without consulting voters is a major problem.
“I hate to take it back to the 1700s, but ‘No taxation without representation,’” Saldaña said.
Jonas Poggi, sophomore political science and speech communication major, accompanied by junior English major Christian Nuñez, then made a statement for the debate team, arguing from a Democratic perspective.
“Taxes, as they exist today, are a necessary evil,” Poggi said. “When we pay higher taxes for something like gas, that money goes back to the community.”
Poggi said that it was important to raise money to fix California’s poor infrastructure, noting that if money does not go into infrastructure now, the people will have to pay for it later.
Poggi refuted Saldaña’s claim that the tax takes away people’s right to representation by stating that taxes cannot be raised without the vote of the state legislature, who are elected by citizens.
Johnson refuted Poggi by stating that people, especially students like himself, cannot afford the higher prices of gas.
“I can’t even drive home 30 miles away,” Johnson said. “You’re telling me that a commuter school, such as La Verne, all the students that commute on a daily base, you think that we can actually afford these taxes?”
Johnson said that he wants California’s infrastructure fixed, but believes that the tax should be repealed and rewritten to make it easier for people who cannot afford the prices.
University President Devorah Lieberman said she attended the debate so she could learn both sides of the Proposition 6 argument and become a better voter. Lieberman noted the importance of being an informed voter.
“This is what an institution of higher education should be doing is having these thoughtful debates on things that we will be voting on,” Lieberman said. “I’m thankful that you did this because I’m voting. When I look at Proposition 6, I will now be more informed.”
Poggi said this debate was the last in a series of community debates the team hosted. He said the goal of the series was to educate the community, especially during election season.
“No matter what side you vote for, make sure you are informed when and if you do,” Poggi said.
David Gonzalez can be reached at david.gonzalez9@laverne.edu.
David Rafael Gonzalez is a senior journalism major and LV Life editor of the Campus Times. He has been a three-time editor-in-chief and has also served as editorial director, LV Life editor and a staff writer.
