Prop 86 draws support from Calabasas

Not surprisingly, the Calabasas City Council has given its support to a state ballot proposal favoring new tobacco taxes.

Council members voted in favor of Proposition 86, which would increase taxes on tobacco products. The measure includes a $2.60-per-pack levy on cigarettes.

The city earlier this year banned secondhand smoke in all public places.

Mayor Pro Tem James Bozajian stated his support for the proposition, albeit cautiously.

"I'm not ordinarily high on taxes, but in this case I think it's a reasonable tax," Bozajian said. "There could be a point where I wouldn't vote for more and more and more taxes on tobacco, but I think this one's related to health issues and because it's directly related to those issues, I think it's appropriate."

Bozajian said he's concerned that about $170 million would be needed to make up for the loss in tobacco sales due to the higher cigarette tax.

Ben Neilson, a resident, disagreed with the council's decision.

"I think it's inevitable . . . that we are moving toward a smokefree environment," Neilson said. "We're moving toward cleaner public areas, but I think there's a rush toward getting to this destination. I don't think Prop. 86 is helping.... I support a tax on cigarettes, but I don't necessarily support taxes on everything else.

"Not to mention where this tax is going, which is debatable," Neilson added. "I just wanted to urge caution."

Other opponents point out that the revenue from the cigarette tax will be used to build profit for private hospitals.