Notice is hereby given by the persons whose names appear hereon of intention to circulate the petition within the City of Richmond for the purpose of amending the Richmond Municipal Code, Section 1, Chapter 7.04 Business Licenses to define the category of Manufacturers and establish a payment formula for Manufacturers. The fees generated by this amendment will allow the City of Richmond to restore and expand vital public services like street repairs, crime and violence prevention, youth employment, libraries, parks and recreation, and public safety. A statement of the reasons of the proposed action as contemplated in the petition is as follows:

Manufacturers operating in the City of Richmond have an ongoing serious impact in the quality of life of the residents of the City and the neighboring environment is impacted by byproducts, releases, accidents, and reputation. It is only fair that these manufacturers, many of which are posting record profits year after year, contribute significantly to the City in which they operate and to support to the services the community expects from the City.

While the profits of many large manufacturers in Richmond have sky-rocketed in recent years, their tax contribution to the City remains inadequate. The City of Richmond is still suffering the consequences of State tax grabs and the reduction in State and Federal financial support for our City. Richmond remains one of the most violent cities in California, one of the San Francisco Bay Area cities with worst streets and infrastructure, one of the most polluted cities, and one most vulnerable to industrial accidents and toxics releases that compromise life and property. Our city’s reputation as the front and back-yard of large petrochemical companies not only devalues Richmond properties but also is a deterrent for investment and economic development.

By requiring large manufacturers pay their fair share in the form of a license fee equal to one fourth of one percent (0.250%) of the value of the materials used in the manufacturing process during the immediately preceding calendar year, the City will be able to address some of the many basic services which its residents need and expect to receive.

No business license fee increases are proposed for non-manufacturing business or for landlords. Business license fees will be waived for new business for a period up to 18 months. The City Tax Collector will remain with the authority to adopt a regulation to deny or revoke a business license when City, state or federal laws are violated.

Signed: Juan P. Reardon 5709 San Jose Ave Richmond CA 94804 8/29/2007