Fort Lauderdale District 1 candidates split on property tax referendum

State of play: Attorney John Rodstrom III and former Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Heather Moraitis are running to replace Commissioner John Herbst, who's resigning two years into his four-year term.

The latest: Axios asked the candidates whether they'll vote "yes" or "no" and whether they would take a pay cut if the amendment passes.

Here's what they said about the property tax proposal:

John Rodstrom: No.

• "I believe it is poorly drafted and not thought out," he wrote in a statement to Axios. "It could create significant consequences for local government and other taxing authorities that provide essential services."
• He added that the city will be able to manage the financial impact without sacrificing core services if the amendment passes.
• He would take a pay cut: "Leadership should be willing to share in the sacrifices it asks of others."

Heather Moraitis: Yes.

• "It should be government, not taxpayers, who should tighten its belt first when affordability is a top issue for everyone," she wrote. "It's your money and you should be able to keep a little more of it."
• She said the city can find $15 million in savings without cutting police, fire and other core services.
• She's willing to take a pay cut to offset the revenue loss.