T o reiterate the 2017 Coordinated Election recommendations of The Durango Herald editorial board:
On Ballot Question 2A/4A, asking both Durango residents (2A) and La Plata County voters covered by the Durango Fire Protection District (4A) to approve a 2.5 mill levy increase to support fire protection, rescue and emergency services, we recommend a yes vote.
Remember, the measure must be passed in both the city and the county in order to go into effect.
We understand the reluctance to add to the property tax burden, but our mill levy is currently low – fourth from the bottom on a list of Colorado’s 64 counties. We agree with the DFPD board of directors and with firefighting leadership that at this point in time, it is critical that the high standard of services and response times be maintained without further drawing on DFPD’s financial reserves.
Emergency calls are on the rise, as is the area’s population, but tax revenue has declined.
Most of DPFD’s vehicles are decades old and overdue for replacement, and living quarters at fire stations have been neglected because of budget concerns.
The additional revenue is needed to fund operations, hire additional staff, build a training facility and add to a depleted capital fund.
DPFD’s value to the community has been vividly demonstrated in 2017. Serious fires at the vacant building at 1111 Camino del Rio, at the Tercero Townhouses – which tragically claimed the life of a resident – and the Lightner Creek Fire (in conjunction with additional resources) were all dealt with competently and in a timely manner by the district’s professional staff.
That ability should be maintained going forward into a future that may see even more demands on emergency services. Passing the ballot measure will allow the district to do so. Vote yes on question 2A/4A
There is one contested race in the election for the Durango School District 9-R board. Shere Byrd (the incumbent) is opposed by Emily Newcomer. We recommend a vote for Shere Kuss Byrd in District E.
Byrd, appointed in August to fill a vacancy, is already serving well with the current board, which includes Nancy Stubbs (District A) and Mick Souder (District C). They are running unopposed.
Byrd knows Durango and the district well, has previous board of directors experience, and is an accomplished career educator.
It should be noted that Cara-Lyn Lappen is listed on the ballot as a candidate for District E, but she has withdrawn from the race.
