As the July 10 deadline to return ballots on the Open Space Preservation District, the Democratic Alliance for Action (DAA) invites the public to hear both sides debate and answer questions from the audience Thursday, June 28, at Vincenzo's Pizza on Lyons Avenue. The meeting starts at 7 p.m., but guests are invited to drop by early and enjoy some dinner.

The proposed Open Space "tax" has proponents and critics from both parties, so the DAA has decided to dispense with partisan politics for this meeting and invite everyone to participate in the discussion.

Santa Clarita City Planning Commissioner, Diane Trautman, will join fellow Open Space proponent, Bill Bailey, to speak and answer the public's challenges to the initiative. Vocal opponents to the tax, Jim Farley and Sterling King, will attempt to explain why the public should be wary of the tax.

In order to promote understanding of the issue, the DAA will take as many questions from the public as time permits

If passed, the 30-year tax on property owners would start at $25 a year and could be raised every year.

The DAA encourages everyone to order dinner and schmooze at 6 p.m. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Vincenzo's Pizza - 24504 1/2 Lyons Avenue in Newhall. Anyone needing more information may call (661) 877-2775 of go to www.DAA.org.

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