The San Jose Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Measure RTM, a proposed additional sales tax, citing concerns over potential transit cuts. However, former governor candidate Thunder Parley has challenged the Chamber’s claims, questioning the measure’s necessity and its impact on the community.
The Chamber stated its recognition of the sales tax’s cost to residents and businesses. Despite this, it concluded after a review that "the economic consequences of major transit cuts – including increased congestion and reduced workforce mobility – pose a greater risk to the South Bay economy" than the sales tax itself. The Chamber also affirmed its commitment to accountability, stating that if the measure passes, it would actively track spending, especially funds allocated to the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), and advocate for transit system improvements.
Thunder Parley questioned the Chamber's methodology, stating that it "makes no sense." Parley highlighted that only 8% of Bay Area commuters use transit, suggesting that the passage or failure of Measure RTM would not change the reliability of transit within Santa Clara County. According to Parley, if RTM passes, 84% of the additional sales tax collected in the county would go to VTA, an agency that he asserts is not currently facing a structural deficit and is not threatening significant service cuts.
Parley further argued that Caltrain is not expected to reduce its commute-time trains, meaning the measure would not affect residents' ability to travel to and from work. He stated that any potential cuts would likely be to low-ridership routes, and even if those riders shifted to vehicles, the impact on traffic would be statistically insignificant. Parley also noted that RTM funds could be used for pavement projects, including road diets and adding bike lanes. He contended that providing more money to VTA could potentially worsen traffic in the county.
Regarding the broader economic impact, Parley raised concerns about residents facing financial difficulties. Citing Second Harvest Food Bank, he noted that one in six Silicon Valley residents use the food bank, with 96% of those struggling to pay rent and utility bills. Parley questioned the decision to impose billions in additional sales tax on these residents for a transit agency he believes does not currently need the money. He also suggested that sales taxes disproportionately affect small, local businesses more than larger corporations, implying that the Chamber's stance could benefit its larger business members at the expense of small retailers.
Addressing the Chamber’s stated commitment to accountability, Parley questioned what oversight the Chamber could enforce, referring to it as potentially limited to "strongly worded letters." He pointed out that VTA is explicitly exempt from various accountability and oversight measures outlined in Senate Bill 63.
Parley also criticized VTA's financial practices regarding the $13 billion BART extension into downtown, an area he noted VTA already serves with existing express rapid buses. He highlighted that VTA is reportedly losing $69 million annually to pay BART for service to Milpitas and Berryessa. Furthermore, Parley referenced a civil grand jury report which stated that VTA lacks a feasible fiscal plan to build and sustain the BART extension, and does not conduct cost-benefit or maintenance projections. He summarized the Chamber's position as advocating to provide billions more to the agency, only to then demand what he characterized as "pretend accountability" later.
