I welcome the Herald’s call (February 16) for healthy dialogue in the campaign for two at-large seats on the Durango City Council. In light of my four-year experience on the council, I offer the following thoughts about the issues highlighted in the editorial.
Airport. I believe that the 30-year-old terminal is inadequate for current – much less projected – needs. Since every alternative requires a large public investment, prudence requires maximizing flexibility for the future. It also warrants searching public discussion.
Water and sewer rates. I concurred in the painful decision to steeply increase rates to ensure that the water and sewer funds, which operate as self-supporting enterprise funds, can meet the increasingly urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.
Residential density. Enabling more people to live in walkable, bikeable and transit-served neighborhoods increases the vitality of the city and minimizes the need for cars. I support a balanced and open approach to allowing greater density in specific areas under specific conditions to facilitate gradual evolution of neighborhoods, without a disruptive discontinuity in character.
Camino del Rio. Regardless of possible STEAM Park development, the barrier between downtown and the underutilized river corridor is a major challenge. In consultation with the city, the Colorado Department of Transportation has sought to minimize the risk to pedestrians, but highly constrained state transportation funding is likely to delay a comprehensive solution.
North Main. As reported in the March 1 Herald, the city has begun discussions about redevelopment of this artery into a vital mixed-use commercial and residential district. I favor linking these discussions into a vision that includes the river corridor and the north end of the Central Business District.
Extension of the 1999 ½-cent sales tax. I support the ballot proposal, which includes review of expenditures by a community advisory board. Consistent with present practice, the board will make recommendations to the council as part of the annual budget process. Both steps offer opportunities for public dialogue on priorities.
I look forward to discussing these issues in more detail with the other candidates, and I welcome thoughts and feedback from the rest of the community.
Dick White
Durango
Editor’s note: Dick White is a Durango City Councilor running for re-election. The municipal election is April 7.
