Mr. Russ Smith (Herald, Sept. 17) and Mr. Jack Turner (Herald, July 27), and the Code Rights Project seem intent on gutting La Plata County’s land-use system so developers can get their way. Now they’re opposing the county’s 1-cent sales tax, claiming that land-use reforms alone will somehow generate the $18 million needed each year to keep services running. That simply isn’t true.
County officials agree the land-use system can always be improved, and they’ve already made progress. Since the 2020 code update, the Community Development Department has improved customer service and shortened project processing times, with measurable results reported publicly. More amendments are underway. But no reasonable person believes land-use tweaks will suddenly deliver $18 million in new revenue.
Meanwhile, the need is urgent. Without new funding, the county will struggle to plow roads, respond to wildfires, keep sheriff patrols on duty and provide vital services for seniors, veterans and vulnerable families. These are core services every resident relies on, not optional extras.
Land use is an important conversation, and reforms should continue. But it’s misleading to pretend those changes alone will solve our budget crisis. The Code Rights Project should be transparent about whose interests they represent, because it’s clearly not the residents depending on essential county services.
Let’s stay focused on the big picture. After 43 years without a sales tax increase, now is the time to act. Please join me in voting “yes” on 1A.
Buck Skillen
Durango
