In November, we will have the opportunity to increase or decrease taxes. As a former Larimer County Commissioner, I have heard the comment “all you politicians want to do is increase taxes.”
The U.S. government is designed as a “republic” and not a “democracy.” In a republic, elected officials make governmental decisions on behalf of “the people.”
The State of Colorado has changed this process to be more of a democracy by enforcing the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). Any additional taxes have to be approved by a vote of the public.
The responsibility of new taxes has been taken away from elected officials and now placed into your hands, the public.
How much time have you spent to become knowledgeable of the newest request for taxes on the ballot?
As a commissioner nine years ago, I became concerned with the ability of our county to meet its future financial obligations when the current sales tax expired in 2014.
During my tenure, I decided that cutting spending was better than increasing taxes.
The commissioners previous to my service had voters approve a construction sales tax (jail, courthouse, county building) that would expire fifteen years later. That 15-year period expires in 2014.
Ballot issue 1A is a new tax for operations. Read the ballot. The first three bulleted items start with the word “operate.”
“Construction” is a one-time tax. “Operations” are forever.
The operations of correctional facilities, jails and treatment centers won’t miraculously disappear in 15 years!
Ballot issue 1A is not a one-time tax, and do not support it.
Glenn Gibson
Former Larimer County Commissioner
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