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• Minutes City of San Leandro City Council and Page 6 Redevelopment Agency Meeting - September 16, 1996 4.11 Carey Walker, 471 Santa Monica, said he owns a gun and worries about senior citizens living by themselves. He said if the City needs funds they should open a roller rink at Bayfair. He commented on State law and fees at Mission Bay Mobilehome Park. 4.12 David Berger, 1855 Olympic Boulevard, Walnut Creek, is a CPA for Traders. He said the business has been in San Leandro for 38 years, and this tax will result in a loss of business, as well as have negative revenue implications to the City. He said the competitive nature of the business will not allow for an increase in price. He noted that law enforcement is a primary client. He said sales tax revenue will decrease if Traders is out of business. He said litigation costs will be high, and this promotes an anti - business climate. 4.13 James Crew, Edwards Lane, Castro Valley, Representing Tony Cucchiara, commented on the improper use of firearms and the need to focus on the criminals who harm. He said this will close a legitimate business. He asked how the revenue would be used; he speculated it would not prevent crime. He noted the importance of the City's economic base and cited the Oakland Raiders. He said this will be a legal issue. 4.14 Kae McGuire, 922 Rodney Drive, commented on other speakers, saying the ordinance will not take guns away. She said America is awash with guns. She said other countries have fewer guns available and have less crime. She said the tax is part of the overall solution. She said Traders is dealing in negative products. She said our country has allowed guns to exist and become out of control. She urges the City Council to support the ordinance and look at the larger issues. 4.15 Linda Muldar, Traders, said if the tax is adopted Traders will lose 30 employees who help to train buyers about gun safety. They will lose people with technical knowledge. She said she is proud of her job and of Traders as a business. 4.16 Elizabeth Monk, Hubbard Street, said Traders would be most affected by the tax. She commented on the gross- receipts tax in relation to violent actions. She stated it is unfair to tax one business with dangerous or undesirable products - why not tax alcohol, cars, and hand tools, as well as the businesses associated with their sale. She said it is unethical and not effective to reduce crime. She suggested they re- evaluate the current budget and look for funds for the prevention programs. 4.17 Ken Pimentel, 3034 Revere, Oakland, said times are different than they used to be regarding safety issues. He said San Francisco has a 3% tax to pay for expenses related to gun violence. He supports the 3% tax on guns and ammunition only.