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Letter: I hate taxes, but…

The proposed ¾-cent sales tax, earmarked for the reconstruction of existing streets and underlying utilities, will benefit the majority of the citizens of Glenwood. If you look at the city’s list of streets to be impacted, you will find your street. Go to http://www.fixourstreetsnow.com.
It is very easy to be against taxes. The cons just flow out. The city may not spend their money responsibly, taxes are too high, the ½-cent tax we already have is enough, etc. It is a lot harder to make a case in favor of the tax, so here goes:
My neighborhood streets and utilities will be reconstructed. Cedar Crest was annexed to the city about 30 years ago at which time nearly all the infrastructure was substandard, but now it is about average for a Glenwood neighborhood road: terrible!
73 percent of the tax collected will come from people and entities that are not city residents.
The city has not squandered the existing ½-cent sales tax over the past 15 years. This tax is for snow removal, striping, crack sealing, signage, traffic calming, street sweeping, etc. — not just maintenance and reconstruction. Some of the money was spent on Vista Drive, Sopris Avenue, Donegan Road, Mt. Sopris Drive, Eighth Street connection and the city’s portion ($3 million) of the Grand Avenue Bridge project. All the chip sealing you saw last year was done to extend the life of roads until a proper repair could be done, trying to prevent an expensive rebuild. The existing ½-cent tax cannot catch us up! When we are caught up the tax goes away, or in 2039, whichever occurs first.
I am a skeptical member of the city’s transportation commission and had the opportunity to ask the hard questions of the staff and City Council about how committed they are to this project. I believe this money will be spent as efficiently as possible. A very encouraging recent development is the appointment of Matthew Langhorst as Glenwood’s new Public Works Director. Please consider voting for the tax. It’s good for Glenwood and the majority.
Sandy Lowell,
Glenwood Springs


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