Proposition P was placed on Los Angeles County ballots as a tax hike on property owners to fund parks.

While we appreciate parks and the important role they play in our local communities, this is a flawed initiative and another excessive tax on our residents.

The proponents of Proposition P assert that this is a necessary tax to fund parks and recreational programs – however they fail to mention that the County currently has $150 million in unallocated park funds and our park system will not face any budget cuts without this new tax. In addition, we are already funding parks under two separate tax measures passed in 1992 and 1996 still in existence.

Before saddling taxpayers with yet another new tax, we need a comprehensive plan to spend existing unallocated revenues and a proposal to specify the need for new revenue. Proposition P was pushed onto the ballot without any public outreach, input, or discussion, with little research or engagement with the cities.

Furthermore, it will not help reduce crime or make our neighborhoods safer — the funds generated from Proposition P can only be used for capital projects (which includes unnecessary spending on waterways); and cannot be spent on community program or operations that can have a positive impact on our communities.

No one questions the importance of parks in our communities. What we can question is the validity of this ill-conceived and unnecessary measure that is being pushed on the voters this November.

Terri Crain is the President and CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce.