Coloradans voted twice to tax retail (nonmedical) marijuana sales in Colorado, and because of TABOR they are required to vote again. Marijuana excise and sales taxes generated about $66 million in the year ended June 30, 2015, $40 million of which is destined to construct public schools. A portion of the remainder is to go to anti-drug use education and counseling, and a further portion is to be used to help reduce student issues, such as bullying and dropping out.
Because the total amount of tax revenue the state received during the year exceeded TABOR’s population-plus-inflation formula, if this question receives a “no” vote the marijuana taxes will be returned to taxpayers, those in the industry and to marijuana purchasers. Households earning $115,000 or more will receive $10.
Coloradans voted to tax retail marijuana sales to do some good for the schools and for students, not to receive a few dollars back. Vote yes on BB.
Sheldon for 9-R board
Matt Sheldon has a background in economics, knows how to read the community’s likes and dislikes, and can apply his leadership skills. He knows how to listen, appreciates the value of vision and goals, and is thoughtful. Sheldon deserves a seat on the newly reduced in size five-member Durango School District 9-R Board of Education.
Incumbent Stephanie Moran is unopposed in her district race. Nevertheless, she has brought the experiences of a long career in education to the board and deserves a vote of support.
Bayfield’s streets
Bayfield voters have gone to the polls a couple of times to support their streets and fallen short. This time should be different. Bayfield’s modest size helps make it obvious where its road needs are located, and where the money will be spent.
This is a sales tax, which means visitors to Bayfield will pay as well.
Yes to Bayfield’s streets.
Telecommunications flexibility
The Colorado Legislature in 2005 reserved telecommunications infrastructure to the private sector, preventing counties and municipalities from laying and stringing fiber-optic lines and cable for delivering services. But, as we know, sometimes the private sector, usually driven by economics, does not get the job done.
Local governments can be the alternative. When they have trenches open for infrastructure additions and repair, for example, that is a logical time to lay the cable that links businesses, governments and residences and then to lease those pathways to content providers. That could bring communications progress, and it is proper efficiency.
La Plata County and all three of the cities and towns in the county are seeking approval to opt out of the Legislature’s limitations. All four entities, including Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio, deserve a “Yes” vote.
