Those who helped craft the “For” Ballot Issue 2A statement in the municipal election informational booklet worked hard to ensure that our position and claims were as accurate as possible. This included double-checking the validity of our statements.
How disappointing, then, to see the various statements “Against” 2A not apply the same rigor and, instead, offer statements that are misinformed at best and untrue at worst.
Because the city is not in the fact-checking business regarding these booklets, it is “reader beware,” as a recent editorial (Herald, Mar. 9) warned. And here is the disheartening part: these distortions work; they create needless uncertainty, fear, and stasis.
There are good reasons to pause and consider a ballot measure as sweeping and impactful as 2A. The passage of 2A would maintain – neither creating a new tax nor increasing the current one – a one-half-cent addition to the city sales tax that voters approved in 2005. Too many benefits flowed from that bold move to list here.
Retaining this part of our sales tax due to sunset in 2026 will – finally – fund a desperately needed new police station and city hall and bring our scattered city government operations under one roof. Extending the tax will also fund improvements and additions to our award-winning parks, open space, and trail projects.
Don’t be misled; 2A lays the foundation for a greater Durango for decades. Support and vote for 2A and our future. Learn more at opt-indurango.info.
Bill LeMaire
Durango
