I grew up in a high tax state that is now on the brink of bankruptcy. I have lived in Colorado since 1979.
When I hear stories from my classmates back home in respect to their onerous tax burdens, I find myself grateful once more for the state, county and town in which I live and have raised my family.
We are not a high tax state. And because of TABOR and the Gallagher Amendment – though each is somewhat flawed – there are safeguards in place to keep it that way.
Over the years I’ve been inclined to vote against a number of the various mill levy increase proposals that have been presented. Yet, this time is different. Having served as a board member for the Animas Fire District, and serving presently in a volunteer capacity as Chaplain of Durango Fire and Rescue, I am well acquainted with the financial numbers and the growing call demand for services from our Fire District.
If we’re to maintain emergency services at a level that merely keeps pace with the numerical and geographical reach of our community, we need to vote yes to support the Durango Fire Protection District’s revenue stream.
CJ Alderton
Durango
