October 13, 2019
Voter’s guide 2019
Please join us in suPPorting
Dave Clark
for Mayor of loveland Paula Clark Hugh McKean – State House Representative Don Overcash – Loveland City Council
Tom Norton – Former Mayor of Greeley Scott James – Former Mayor of Johnstown/ Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway – Weld County Commissioner
Mindy McCloughan – President Loveland Chamber of Commerce Sheriff Justin Smith
Ray Martinez – Former Ft Collins City Council
Kristie Melendez – Mayor of Windsor
Dan Mills
Clay Caldwell
Paid for by The Committee to Elect Dave Clark 2 • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • VOTER'S GUIDE
Dan Stroh Dick Coulson Earl Sethre Jason Napolitano Jim Welker Miki Roth Quentin Price Rocky Turner Rollin Goering Solomon Martinez
ELECTION 2019
JENNY SPARKS / Loveland Reporter-Herald
Sharron Penny of Loveland fills out her ballot Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, at the voter service and polling center at the Loveland Police Department in Loveland.
Your guide to the 2019 election
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Loveland voters this year will decide on races for mayor and for City Council members in all four wards; four city ballot issues; a county ballot issue; and two state ballot proposals. Read about all of those in this edition. Voters must return their mail ballots or be in line at a Voter Service Center by 7 p.m. on Election Day in order for their votes to count. Ballots will be mailed to eligible, registered voters beginning Oct. 14. While voters can register right up to and even on Election Day, the last day to register or change your registration and still receive a ballot in the mail is Oct. 28. Anyone who registers or change their registration after that date must vote in person. Track mail ballots by signing up for Ballot Track at ballottrax.net/ voter. For more election information, visit www.larimer.org/clerk/
elections/current-elections/2019. • Wellington Public Library, 3800 Voters who choose to drop off Wilson Ave., Wellington their ballots may do so at the follow• Berthoud Community Library, ing locations. 236 Welch Ave., Berthoud • Timnath Public Works Building, 4800 Goodman Road, Timnath 24-HOUR BALLOT DROP BOX LOCATIONS ADDITIONAL BALLOT (Open through 7 p.m. Nov. 5.) DROP-OFF LOCATIONS • Larimer County Courthouse, 200 W. Oak St., outside southwest • King Soopers, 2602 S. Timberentrance, Fort Collins line Road, Fort Collins • Loveland Vehicle Licensing • King Soopers, 1842 N. College Branch, 200 Peridot Ave., Loveland Ave., Fort Collins • Estes Park Vehicle Licensing • Safeway, 2160 W. Drake Road, Branch, 1601 Brodie Ave., Estes Fort Collins Park • Safeway, 1426 E. Harmony • Harmony Library, 4616 S. Road, Fort Collins Shields St., Fort Collins • King Soopers, 1275 Eagle • Colorado State University-Lory Drive, Loveland Student Center, 1101 Center Ave. The grocery stores listed above Mall, Fort Collins will accept ballots only during the • Red Feather Lakes Library, 71 following times: Fire House Lane, Red Feather 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 Lakes 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday, Election Day, Nov. 5
VOTER SERVICE AND POLLING CENTERS • Larimer County Courthouse, 200 W. Oak, first floor, Fort Collins • Loveland Police & Courts Building, 810 E. 10th St, Loveland • Estes Valley Community Center, 660 Community Drive, Estes Park You may drop off your voted ballot, obtain a replacement ballot, change your address or register to vote at voter service and polling centers only during the following times: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Oct. 28 - Nov. 1 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday, Election Day, Nov. 5
VOTER'S GUIDE • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • 3
Campaign website: www.daveforloveland.com Age: 63 Family: Married to Paula for 39 years. They have six children and six grandchildren How long have you lived in Loveland? More than 56 years Professional background: He worked with his family as a general contractor for many years in Loveland and the surrounding areas, building many projects for businesses, schools and municipalities. For the last 10 years, he has been the owner and manager of the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. Political / community experience: He served on the Planning Commission for two years before being elected to the City Council. He served on the City Council since 2012 and from 2004 to 2009. Over the last several years, he has been very involved with local and regional transportation issues. He is currently serving as vice-chair of the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (the regional transportation planning council) as well as on several regional transportation committees, including the I-25 Coalition, the Highway 34 planning committee and the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance. He also serves as the council liaison to the Loveland Downtown Partnership, Community Marketing Commission and Youth Advisory Commission. He formerly served as chair of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and is currently the council liaison to the chamber
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND MAYOR
Dave Clark
board. Education: He graduated from Loveland High School in 1974 and earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Brigham Young University in 1981. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? Exactly what it is doing now! With the revenues from the city’s lodging tax, which was passed in November 2009, the city has been promoting tourism for the past 10 years more than it ever has in the past. Revenues from the Lodging Tax in 2010 were $486,000. This year, we expect the revenue to be almost $1 million, more than double in 10 years. In addition, Loveland consistently ranks in the highest tier in the state for hotel occupancy levels. For the most part, patrons of our hotels are
4 • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • VOTER'S GUIDE
tourists coming here from outside Loveland, a clear indication that our tourism efforts have been effective. Loveland is now recognized statewide as a destination location, as well as recognized across the nation and in several international countries. We need to continue what we are doing — it is working! Are metropolitan districts a viable way of funding public improvements? Why or why not? Yes, they are. The simple fact is someone needs to pay for public improvements. In years past, when construction costs were not so high and standards of living were not so high, public improvement costs were included in the price of a lot or a home. Today, metro districts provide a tool to build public improvements through bonding and then paying off the debt over time. This keeps the price of the lot/home lower than it would be otherwise. The property owner then pays for these public improvements over time. Due to some people not understanding or realizing this when they purchase a home, the City Council recently passed a resolution requiring this information to be disclosed to the buyer at the time of purchase. People still have the choice to purchase a home in a metro district or not. If marijuana businesses are allowed in Loveland, how would you like to see them regulated? In recent City Council meetings, we heard from law enforcement professionals (our police chief and
our county sheriff) who clearly told us the consequences and risks of increasing marijuana in our community. In addition, we heard from professionals in the medical community telling us the health risks that marijuana has in our community. This testimony, along with other specific examples, continue to convince me that an increase of marijuana in our community is simply not a good thing for our quality of life. However, if this issue does pass, I would hope that the City Council place as much regulations as possible to protect our youth and our children from the harmful effects of this dangerous drug. Finally, this should not be done using the excuse that this will increase city revenues. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? Over the last several years, the city has developed a very specific five-step incentive policy for businesses to follow and comply with to be eligible for city incentives. All businesses must comply with the same policies. And then, because not all businesses are alike, the incentive packages are done to best meet the needs of their business. However, each package is carefully done to evaluate the overall benefit to the city such as additional sales tax revenue, additional jobs, or other factors. In short, the return on investment to the city is calculated and evaluated. If an incentive request meets the established criteria, then it is presented to the City Council for review and approval.
Campaign website: www. jackimarshthepeoplesmayor.com. Age: 65 Family: A son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter living in Northern Colorado How long have you lived in Loveland? I moved to Northern Colorado in 2012, purchased my mixed-use building in downtown Loveland in 2013 and opened my gallery/boutique on Fourth Street, Rabbask Designs, in 2013. Professional background: She has been the owner of a small business, Rabbask Designs, which is a brick and mortar boutique and art gallery in downtown Loveland; an independent jewelry artist, selling her designs in galleries and boutiques throughout the U.S.; general manager of a home service company; administrative assistant, trade show manager, purchasing manager and purchasing director at an international mainframe software company with annual revenues of $200 million, where she was responsible for three departments, created and implemented the company’s first small business plan, American with Disabilities Act compliance manual and travel policy; accounts payable clerk at a mobile paging company; bookkeeper at a dental clinic; and a preschool and infant and toddler educator. Political / community experience: She has served as mayor since 2017 and attended City Council meetings since 2014. She is also a member of Lions International and the Martin Luther King Committee. She has hosted many community gatherings and meetings, and supports and volunteers with numerous local
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND MAYOR
Jacki Marsh
charities. Education: Early childhood education, park management and medical assisting — West Valley College and Monterey Peninsula College. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? The city should have an active role in promoting Loveland as a tourist destination, as a creative district, as an art community and as a center for innovation and invention. We know that 4.6 million people visited Rocky Mountain National Park in 2018 and that 2019 may be another record breaking year. Many of those park visitors are driving through Loveland and could be enticed into spending a day or two visiting Loveland attractions and businesses, restaurants, shops, coffee shops, breweries, galleries, grocery stores, entertainment venues, etc. More dollars spent in our community increase our sales tax revenues without the need to build more
homes, schools, hospitals, etc. When our businesses do better, those business owners and their employees will spend their dollars in Loveland. Higher sales tax revenues provide funds for our roads, our curbs and sidewalks, more dollars for our parks, library and open space, and more dollars for our first responders. Are metropolitan districts a viable way of funding public improvements? Why or why not? No. Metro districts work for developers, but over time, they can increase the cost of home ownership. Metro district bonds are used to fund infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, sewer, etc. in a new development. Traditionally, these costs were included in the home price and therefore were included in the buyer’s home mortgage. A home in a metro district should sell for less than a home not in a metro district, as there is additional debt (bonds) for the infrastructure. The reduced home price should continue for the 40 or more years that is required to pay off the metro district bonds. I don’t believe that happens. In addition, every time the county increases the assessed value of a home, the metro fees will increase, just as property tax increases; metro fees are in addition to property taxes. When infrastructure costs are built into the home price, the repayment is typically at a fixed rate, unlike repaying the debt through metro fees, which will fluctuate (usually increase) with the home value. In addition, the city of Loveland must provide ongoing oversight. If marijuana businesses are allowed in
Loveland, how would you like to see them regulated? We should limit the number of licenses granted to marijuana businesses, and we should limit the locations of retail and medical sales to avoid close proximity to schools, churches, daycare facilities, community event centers, parks, trails, bike paths, natural areas and playgrounds. Disallow billboards, sign twirlers, neon signs and sales to people under the age of 21. Sales employees must be age 21 or older. Prohibit the extraction of THC with flammable materials by anyone other than a licensed marijuana business. All license applicants must first apply with the state Marijuana Enforcement Division. All marijuana businesses in Loveland would need to comply with Colorado Constitution Article XVIII, Section 16. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? Incentives should be the exception rather than the rule, and incentives must provide a return on investment within a reasonable amount of time. Incentives must be performance-based before being presented to and approved by the Loveland City Council. When fees are waived or when funds are granted they should be treated as an advance or as a loan which is based on projections provided by the entities seeking incentives. Those projected outcomes must benefit the city of Loveland. Each year that the entity achieves its projections, the advance/loan repayment for that year would be waived. If only half of the projected outcome is reached, then only half of the advance/loan repayment is waived.
VOTER'S GUIDE • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • 5
Campaign website: www.kathiforloveland.com. Age: 67 Family: A 27-year-old son, Joe, who is a machinist How long have you lived in Loveland? Since May 1978 Professional background: Worked as the assistant director of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce for six years; administrative assistant at the city of Loveland for 13 years; president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County Board of Directors for six years and executive director for 18 years. Currently serves as relationship manager at Heart-J Center for Experiential Learning at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch. Also worked for shorter amounts of time at Good Samaritan Hospital, Continental Manufacturing, Kodak Colorado Division, The Summit, Poudre Valley Hospital and Miniscribe Manufacturing. Political / community experience: Elected to the Loveland City Council in 2017 to serve a four-year term. Served on the Garfield Elementary PTO/SAAC and Thompson School District’s Master Plan Committee, was the president of Loveland Philo, the United Way Allocation Committee and special events chair, Love-
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND MAYOR
Kathi Wright
land Rotary Club Duck Race volunteer, Thompson Valley Rotary Club program chair, and a senior counselor at the one-week Rotary Youth Leadership Award camp. Have also served on the boards of Look Both Ways and the NO CO Children’s Museum. Education: Briefly attended Kearney State College What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? Through the Community Marketing Commission budget, we have
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the small but mighty “Visit Loveland” team. They do an outstanding job with the resources that come in through the lodging tax. Their annual reports are welcome for any interested person to review, and if you have great input to share, citizens are welcome to attend the CMC meetings. Check our city website to see when they meet. Are metropolitan districts a viable way of funding public improvements? Why or why not? At this point in time, metro districts are the only way new neighborhoods can get all of the financing needed so roads and infrastructure can happen and they can begin building homes in our community. Our council asked for procedural improvements in how people who buy in those neighborhoods are notified about the metro district fees, and that has occurred. If marijuana businesses are allowed in Loveland, how would you like to see them regulated? If marijuana businesses are allowed in Loveland, we will look for examples of regulations from other communities that fit our community best. We are adding town hall meetings to our calendar, and that would be a great topic for input at one of
those. I’m speculating we will limit the number to very few, nothing near schools, with more to come. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? We have a very clear roadmap for the circumstances under with the city has incentive packages for businesses. The economic development director and a group of volunteers created the guidelines, and they are available through that department. I’m so proud of the four that I have voted yes for: 1. Tharp Cabinets. A local company, consolidating into a building that has sat vacant for several years. Kept many great jobs in our community. 2. Tri-Point: Consolidated from two other communities to Loveland, now point of sale here, so bringing in great sales tax income! 3. Complete Solutions Robotics: When they grow, there will be great new jobs available for your kids and grandkids! 4. Intellivation: Moving here from Fort Collins. We see the “cream of the crop” from our economic development director, so it’s easy to say yes to the proposals that make it to the City Council.
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND CITY COUNCIL WARD I
Richard Ball
Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/ Rich-Ball-for-Loveland-City-Council846400268742851/ Age: 76 Family: Two grown daughters who were educated in the Loveland public schools and four wonderful grandchildren — Finn at Bill Reed Middle School, Sawyer at Garfield Elementary School, and Dylan and Gavin in New York City. How long have you lived in Loveland? Since 1945 Professional background: Practiced law in Loveland since 1972 and held a real estate brokers license in the 1980s. His practice is centered on land use law, real estate law, small businesses and elder law, and wills and trusts. Political / community experience: Has been a member of the Downtown Development Authority, Citizens’ Finance Advisory Commission and the City of Loveland Charter Com-
Lenard Larkin
Campaign website: www.friendsoflenardlarkin.com Age: 50 Family: My family has lived in Loveland for two generations. I have gone through the Thompson school system. My children are currently going through Thompson public schools. I am happily married. How long have you lived in Loveland? 50 years Professional background: I have had a few professions — a conference
here for an overnight stay. This would involve our tourism commission, Downtown Development Authority, economic development and a delegated staff member from the city manager’s office to explore and create a tourism template. It could involve a citizens’ advisory commission to work on various ideas. It is an urgent need for us to grow our retail sales both downtown and at Centerra by attracting tourists to Loveland. Are metropolitan districts a viable way of funding public improvements? Why or why not? The districts are an inevitable landscape for both commercial and residential development in Northern Colorado. The escalation in raw water prices and the many requirements that cities put on developers, together with high land prices and construction costs have rendered private financing options unavailable for larger (non-infill) developments. It is the city’s responsibility to make sure that all adequate disclosures are used by Realtors to inform buyers and sellers of their obligations. The private market will then take over and buyers can make their own informed decision on what and where to buy. If marijuana businesses are allowed in
Loveland, how would you like to see them regulated? Our city staff will be directed to examine other communities to determine the best and most economical way to regulate them. This is not rocket science; numerous cities across our state have developed the ways and means to do this. Our staff will examine all of the various ways, present the pros and cons to us as a council, and we will give them direction and suggestions to develop the proper regulations. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? Economic incentives must always be on a case by case basis. Councils have tried to set forth parameters and benchmarks, but in the end each case must be evaluated by the council, often in executive sessions, to determine what is best for our citizens, the city government and the business. Our economic development staff work hard to concentrate on keeping and maintaining our current businesses first. We strive to evaluate each proposal that comes before us. Each is unique in almost every way, and this makes it impossible to set up a template for every case. Incentives are necessary to lure and to keep our economic vitality as a city.
community experience is that of the common man. I, like many citizens of Loveland, work a job and live paycheck to paycheck. We appreciate the amenities of Loveland and feel lucky to live here. I bring the experience of the quiet and hard working people of Loveland. Education: Graduated from Loveland High School and earned associate degrees from Aims Community College and Front Range Community College. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? Although tourism is beneficial to our city, I also want to see it used to promote our community for more sustainable jobs with better pay. technician at McKee Medical Cen- Loveland exists too much on low ter and, primarily, a cable technician wage retail jobs that hold our city for the last 15 years. back and create stress in families. Political / community experience: My Are metropolitan districts a viable way
of funding public improvements? Why or why not? No. From what I have seen at City Council and read, metro districts can increase taxes to the homeowner and leave control in the hands of selfish interests. It has been shown that the traditional conservative way is the best. Build the infrastructure and turn it over to the community. This is what those interests are supposed to do with their 2017 tax cut of 40%. If marijuana businesses are allowed in Loveland, how would you like to see them regulated? This is a more difficult question to answer since Loveland hasn’t voted on it. Obviously, we wouldn’t want to have marijuana businesses near our schools. We will have a higher tax on marijuana. Although marijuaSEE LARKIN, PAGE 8
mission that wrote the home rule charter for the city, and was formerly president of Loveland Habitat for Humanity, Larimer County Hospice, Larimer County Bar Association and the Loveland Rotary Club. Education: Graduated from the University of Colorado Law School and the University of Colorado Boulder with honors. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? I would advocate for a city initiative to develop a concentrated plan to attract tourists and keep them
VOTER'S GUIDE • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • 7
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND CITY COUNCIL WARD I
Rob Molloy Campaign website: www.robmolloyforloveland.com Age: 54 Family: Married for 29 years and has three children in their 20s who were born and raised in Loveland. How long have you lived in Loveland? 27 years Professional background: I spent 17 years building and maintaining golf course in the area, including Boomerang with the city of Greeley and Pelican Lakes in the Water Valley development in Windsor. I worked for a landscape architect firm in Fort Collins for approximately three years and have owned and operated a landscape architect/land planning consulting firm in Loveland for over 11 years, where I offer design and planning services for commercial, industrial and residential projects from Wellington to Pueblo, and from Fort Morgan to Grand Junction. Political / community experience: Has served on the Loveland Planning Commission for 12 years with 90% attendance and chaired the commission in 2011 and 2012. Also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals from 2009-10, the Comprehensive Planning Committee in 2007, the Title 18 Committee from 2008-17, the Unified Development Code Committee from 2017-19 and the building committee at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
LARKIN from page 7
na is used medicinally, it is also taxed as a vice. I don’t want marijuana to be seen as a solution for all the budget problems. The second part of this question is public safety. We
from 2018-19. Volunteered as a youth sports coach with the Loveland Parks and Recreation Department from 2007 to 2012. Ran for City Council in 2011. Education: Graduated from Colorado State University’s five-year landscape architecture bachelor’s degree program in 2005 and took coursework at CSU for a master’s degree in construction management from 2008-09. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? I feel the city has taken on a positive role with promoting tourism. I believe the visitors center has done a wonderful job since the city took over operations. I was a little apprehensive in the way the tourist tax was initially introduced and approved by voters without an idea of how the money was to be spent. I don’t believe in taxing people just because we can ahead of need. I don’t believe the initial taxes collected were spent with a sensible purpose, but today I believe the direc-
tion taken has been very beneficial to the city. I believe the new board has served the city well in promoting ideas of how to promote tourism and believe the city should continue with its efforts. I would not consider Loveland as a tourist destination, but the number of events the city offers makes it a worthwhile place to visit, and the city should continue to market itself as more than just a pass-through to Estes Park. Are metropolitan districts a viable way of funding public improvements? Why or why not? Yes, metropolitan districts are a viable way of funding public improvements. The cost of development has risen substantially over the past 30 years. If done correctly, metro districts can spread these costs over a period of time. It’s important for the home buyer to analyze whether the additional tax payment is worth the value of the home. I see metro districts as an advantage to developing and maintaining a development above what a city may have the ability to provide along with amenities that can make a development more appealing. I know of one particular metro district that was able to pay off their debt but decided to maintain their mills in order enhance their neighborhood further. On the other side, there needs to be oversight and accountability, and their financial data needs to be submitted in a timely manner so potential home buyers can be informed of the costs associated with the metro district. Also, I feel that too much of a good thing is not always a good thing. The city does need to continue to look at each proposed district individually and weigh its possible bur-
den on the city. If marijuana businesses are allowed in Loveland, how would you like to see them regulated? We are a little late in the game for the allowance of marijuana businesses. I look at this as a huge benefit to our community because there are enough communities across Colorado that have successfully regulated the marijuana businesses, and we can utilize their success within our own regulations. I am a firm believer in using precedence and not attempting to come up with new rules. The obvious regulation would be the number of businesses allowed and the setback requirements from schools, daycares, residential properties, parks or anything else associated with children or families. As a planning commissioner and a Title 18 Committee member, I spent many years helping to write and approve regulations for businesses within the city. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? One rule of thumb that the city has learned is to never offer more incentive than what the business is investing itself. Do not offer large incentive packages to entice businesses that are able to out-compete our existing, locally owned businesses. We are competing against other Front Range communities for business that may help our community economically, so incentives are important. There should be a greater priority towards offering incentive packages that offer a higher level of employment within our city. We have lost several good employers over the years for different reasons, but some of them could have been maintained with competing packages.
do not have the amount of police officers we need for a community of our size. We want to have a police force that balances our needs. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? All of the businesses that will ask Loveland for incentives got a 40%
tax cut in 2017 and each year after that. And they still come begging local government for more. Return on investment should be rule. Will Loveland get more than it gives? We have spent years in failed incentives that are not paid back or create a loss. We are wallowing in retail, low
paying jobs. Those workers deserve better opportunities. The best incentive for business is good schools and quality of life. I believe we would do better to invest in Loveland. This will make Loveland more livable and thus attract investment to us.
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Campaign website: www.andreasamson.com Age: 33 Family: She is married to Kenneth Samson, and they are raising two daughters in Loveland, ages 4 and 1. How long have you lived in Loveland? She has lived a total of 17 years in Loveland Professional background: She interned in Bern, Switzerland, for an internationally recognized haute couture bridal designer and then traveled the US as a PR and marketing representative for multiple European fashion designers. She has experience as a paraeducator, an executive assistant in all size businesses, worked in criminal justice, is an intellectual property patent paralegal, a certified nursing assistant and an advocacy blogger for special needs families. Political / community experience: She has volunteered for different organizations for most of her life. She attended the Loveland First United Methodist Church as a young child where she volunteered often alongside her mother. She has volunteered as a student leader in her community, was the outreach coordinator, a peer and staff elected position, at Pierce College. Over the course of 20 years, she has served on tenure, budget, planning, homelessness, event planning and fundraising committees. She cofounded an alliance in Loveland to help bridge the gap between community members and city government to find homelessness solutions, coau-
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND CITY COUNCIL WARD II
Andrea Samson
thored a citizen referendum to lift the ban on dispensaries in Loveland in 2016 and has been her HOA’s president. She has recently volunteered with Kids Pak, The Community Kitchen, CLEAR Lighthouse and is a volunteer fundraiser at the Colorado Foundation for Conductive Education. Education: CNA certification, paralegal and attended Front Range Community College and Pierce College in Washington state. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? Promoting tourism is vital for our ability to keep, and ideally increase, our share of the Front Range sales tax revenue. Our proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, which attracts millions of visitors every year, as well as our location on Interstate 25 and U.S. 34 makes tourism an exceptional opportunity.
While our current Visit Loveland department does good work, there is ample opportunity to expand these efforts. One small project I would like to see happen soon is a COLT route during festivals, and eventually on weekends and all summer long, that provides tours to our breweries, winery, golf courses, Devils Backbone, galleries, art spaces, into downtown and even to the Promenade. Tour packages would serve and engage visitors and citizens alike, and it can be done by utilizing our existing resources. Leaders with vision will carry us into a new wave of innovation and imagination to increase our revenues through tourism. Are metropolitan districts a viable way of funding public improvements? Why or why not? We benefit from living in a region that is experiencing monumental growth, and I believe there are very few times when metro districts are truly necessary. Developers naturally want to utilize every means possible to maximize their profit and minimize risks and cost, but in our current market that has little to no benefit for our community. Metropolitan districts are not a viable way of funding public improvements, and they are not sustainable for Loveland’s future. If marijuana businesses are allowed in Loveland, how would you like to see them regulated? Marijuana businesses are very heavily regulated by the state, and it is the right of municipalities to regulate further. Regulations that I
believe are necessary are at minimum equal to those of liquor stores — setbacks, distances from churches and schools, etc. I would also like for Loveland to add regulations prohibiting sign-waving and restrictions on signage. I have a strong preference toward Colorado operators and ownership, and I’d like for council to ensure that all permitted dispensaries will respect the Loveland community of citizens and visitors alike, and that they professionally and responsibly uphold Loveland’s character. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? The best incentive a business can be given is employees who love where they live. Andrew Schwartz sums my position up quite well: “Far too often, economic development incentives are irrelevant … fail to meet promised results (and) take away from existing or potential public service.” It is time we pump the brakes on incentives and turn our attention to our city — our streets, sidewalks, downtown, infrastructure, public transit, affordable housing, parks and open spaces. Quality of life is the new incentive. Investing in small businesses, artists, our downtown, our schools and families gives back to all of our citizens. There are very few times when an incentive might be necessary, and in those instances return on investment must be nearly immediate, the incentive must be modest, the good and benefit for the community must outweigh the gift and there must be absolute followup and consistent oversight.
VOTER'S GUIDE • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • 9
Campaign website: www.nitaforloveland.com, www. facebook.com/nitaforloveland/ Age: 59 Family: Husband, Randolph W. Starr; stepdaughters — Lindsey Murry and husband, Brian, and Andrea Fischer and husband, Dave — and granddaughter, Olivia Murry How long have you lived in Loveland? 1974-78, 1985-87 and 1988-present Professional background: I have been a teacher since 1982. Before that, during college and summers, I worked as a nanny in New York City and Greeley, and worked for a travel agency in Fort Collins. After graduation, I tutored English as a second language in Rocquencourt, France. Recognized as the 2018 TEF Loveland Elementary Educator of the Year. Political / community experience: Elected to represent Ward III on Loveland City Council in April 1996 and November 1998; a lifelong Girl Scout and troop leader; Republican candidate volunteer and precinct delegate; Great Books leader; forensics judge; Thompson R2-J Master Planning Committee chair; past president of Loveland Community Theater; the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, and the Loveland Philomatheon Club; Zion Lutheran Church member and executive council vice president; CASA volunteer; Foothills Service League; Loveland Music Guild
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND CITY COUNCIL WARD II
Nita Starr
member; Benson Park Sculpture Garden sculpture adopter; Loveland Civic Music Association supporter; Wild Blue Wonders, Odyssey of the Mind, Destination Imagination coach; Loveland Generations member — Community Foundation of Northern Colorado. Education: Earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in mathematics from the University of Northern Colorado in 1982, French language and civilization certificates from the University of Paris in 1984 and master’s degree in reading education from UNC in 1986 and completed the principal licensure certification program at UNC in 2006. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism?
Tourism is a major economic force in the state of Colorado. The city should continue to support the chamber of commerce and the visitors center. We should also continue to use the lodging tax to promote Loveland. This tax is designated for promoting “tourism, conventions and related activities within the city.” Visit Loveland has done an outstanding job of marketing and promoting Loveland. We need to celebrate the success of this team and continue to support them. We can also support tourism by maintaining the beauty of our community so people will want to come and visit. Are metropolitan districts a viable way of funding public improvements? Why or why not? Metropolitan districts have their place in making sure that growth pays its way. When an area of town begins to develop, many necessary public services can be paid for by the developer and the people who are going to move into these locations. The roads, water services, sanitary and storm water, parks, school sites and public safety locations can all be a part of the metropolitan district’s responsibility. These districts need to have oversight and clear communication with the city and the new residents and businesses that move into these areas. If marijuana businesses are allowed in Loveland, how would you like to see them
regulated? These businesses need to be located in specifically defined locations and monitored carefully. We need to make sure these businesses contribute funding with sales tax to mitigate any additional public safety costs and issues that may arise due to their existence within city limits. There is still a conflict between state and federal law on whether the recreational marijuana industry is lawful. We need to strictly control any business that can affect the health of our youth. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? When businesses have been thoroughly vetted and completed the multi-step process to apply for incentives from our City of Loveland Economic Development Department, it is the City Council’s role to listen to the applicant and decide whether or not to approve the proposed agreement. These applicants must provide benefits to the community, including possible cultural, social or economic considerations. Also, these applicants do not always have to be someone seeking to build a new business — retention of existing businesses, redevelopment, infill opportunities or other contributions to improving our community should be considered. These decisions are made on a case by case basis. A variety of job opportunities will help us to sustain the economic health of our community.
Solutions that Put Loveland Families and Future First Loveland has been my home for 49 years, and I enjoy the magnificent beauty, wonderful citizens and stunning Artistic setting that makes our town the Sweetheart City. Through hard work and perseverance I have spent the last 8 years on council working to make our City the best it can be. There is more left to do. From broadband to transportation and managed growth I will put my focus on solutions that put Loveland’s families and future first. When ballots arrive, I’d appreciate your vote. ✔
EXPERIENCE MATTERS! 10 • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • VOTER'S GUIDE
Loveland City Council Learn More:
FogleForLoveland.com /FogleForLoveland
Paid for by Fogle for Loveland
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND CITY COUNCIL WARD III
John Dixon Campaign website: votejohndixon.com Age: 64 Family: He is single and has a 31year-old son who lives in Longmont. How long have you lived in Loveland? 10 years Professional background: He worked in Washington, D.C., and New York City before moving to Colorado. He has had a career in mining and heavy construction. He primarily worked in the ski towns of Colorado. Finishing his career in Loveland out in the oil fields of Weld County, and finally before retiring in May of 2019, he worked out of a quarry in
Livermore, suppling limestone for Budweiser’s bottling operator O+I in Windsor. Political / community experience: He has been involved in politics his whole life. He has been an adaptive
instructor with the Eldora special recreation program. He also has been involved for over 20 years serving on boards and other positions in programs dealing with mental health and addiction issues. Education: He attended Canisius College and the University of Buffalo. Later in life, John attended the Univerity of Colorado Boulder for Spanish language courses. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? The art community is our asset for tourism. Loveland’s future lies in our art galleries, foundries and our boutique stores. While amusement parks and water slides will be regional attractions out by the highway, Loveland’s heart centers around the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Eisenhower Boulevard. We should learn from Fort Collins and the Colorado Department of Transportation’s redesign of North College/287 as a model for West
Eisenhower. Are metropolitan districts a viable way of funding public improvements? Why or why not? Loveland’s maturity as a city and growth in size demands any more metro districts be only allowed under extraordinary circumstance and be short term in length. Their drawbacks have become obvious in the past few years. Developers consider them profit centers. If marijuana businesses are allowed in Loveland, how would you like to see them regulated? If marijuana retail businesses come to Loveland, they should be regulated like liquor stores — no more, no less. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? Incentive packages need to have a direct and immediate return for the citizens of Loveland. They should be short term in nature and structured like loans.
VOTER'S GUIDE • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • 11
Campaign website: www.fogleforloveland.com Age: 63 Family: Wife Donita Fogle, who works as a housing coordinator with Mirasol Senior Community, seven kids, three daughters-in-law, six grandchildren, one dog and two cats, all in Colorado How long have you lived in Loveland? 49 years Professional background: Retired partner at King GMC Buick since 1999, owner/manager of Fogle Olds GMC Subaru from 1982-1999 and has run Northern Consulting since 2005, 99 Technology since 2013 and Loveland Pawn since 2016. Political / community experience: He has served on City Council since 2011. He has also served with the Historic Preservation Commission since 2011, the Construction Advisory and Cultural Services boards since 2013, the Fire Rescue Advisory Commission since 2015 and the Loveland Communication Advisory Board since 2018. He served on the Affordable Housing Commission from 2011 to 2013 and the Broadband Task Force from 2015 to 2018. Has sat on the board of the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority as vicechair since 2011 and the Downtown Development Authority and Northern Colorado Regional Tourism Authority boards since 2015. He has been active with the National League of Cities and its Information Technology Communication Advocacy Committee since 2013, and NLC University as a platinum fellow since 2015. He has also been involved with the Mountain View Presbyterian Church since 1979, including as a senior high youth leader through 2002, Longs Peak Masonic Lodge #197 since 1980, the Loveland Rotary Club since 2009 and its Duck Race Executive Committee since 2011, and the Loveland Elks Lodge #1051 since 2011. Education: Attended the University
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND CITY COUNCIL WARD III
John Fogle
of Colorado for pre-med from 1974 to 1976, the Community College of Denver from 1977 to 1979 — where he earned a radiation therapy certificate and associate’s degrees in radiologic technology, summa cum laude, and nuclear medicine technology, magna cum laude — the General Motors Institute from 198083, earning his dealer certification, and Regis University, earning his bachelor’s degree in computer networks, summa cum laude. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? Loveland has an active “tourism” group that operates through several organizations. The Visit Loveland initiative includes Art Studio Tours, Winter Wonderlights, Downtown Christmas Lighting and other “signature” events throughout the year. I support their efforts and feel that any efforts in the tourism area should be coordinated through a single portal to maintain continuity. Through the city’s Community Marketing Commission, funding from the lodging tax is used exclusively for promoting tourism visits in the city. The funding is used for media-based advertising through magazines, other publications and television ads placed in select markets and local events.
12 • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • VOTER'S GUIDE
Our primary “need” is a destination tourist attraction for families with children. This “need” is being actively pursued through the regional tourism authority, where I serve as a board member. If we want tourists to stop and stay in Loveland, we need an attraction for the whole family! Are metropolitan districts a viable way of funding public improvements? Why or why not? Overall, yes! But it is important to note that Loveland has the most comprehensive disclosure process in the region to make sure purchasers in metro districts are fully aware of their decisions and responsibilities. City Council in concert with the Loveland/Berthoud Association of Realtors worked for two years to place this disclosure system in place, and while it can always be improved in the future, it is currently the best disclosure system in Colorado. With the escalating cost of construction and infrastructure, metro districts are becoming a proven method developers use to provide infrastructure. While it may appear the price is higher to the homeowner, considering the deductibility of the metro fee versus the option of higher prices that are not deductible, the net cost to the homeowner can be less. These factors combined with the difference in interest rates between bonding and retail mortgage rates leave metro districts as a viable alternative for new developments. Council is then charged with diligent review of all proposed districts and the responsibility to make sure our disclosure rules are closely enforced. If marijuana businesses are allowed in Loveland, how would you like to see them regulated? Several points need to be closely regulated: 1. The number of stores need to be held to six or fewer, with one-
mile separation. 2. 250-foot setback, including advertising, from our state highways. 3. Industrial and commercial zoning only (industrial only for production facilities). 4. Local ownership preference for retail stores. 5. Variable tax of 15% to allow the City Council to recover all associated costs. 6. Five-year license review, including a documented complaint handling system. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? I evaluate proposed incentives/ rebates/fee waivers for business with the following in mind: 1. Does the business fit within the “culture” Loveland has established? 2. Does the deal provide a positive return on investment (minimum 3x) for the city? 3. Does the deal have secondary benefits for the city, like multiple jobs, high paying jobs, benefits for the citizens at large (grocery store, etc.) or business retention? 4. Is the deal a tax refund or cash incentive? I absolutely prefer tax refund/share-back when possible. 5. Does the company/individual have the resources to make good on their promises? 6. Does the company/individual have a proven track record of successful projects? 7. Does the company subscribe to all local, federal and state labor laws and employee safety regulations? Given positive responses in all these areas, then we need to evaluate the company to see if they will be a good Loveland corporate citizen (references and referrals). I would prefer a marketplace where incentives are a thing of the past, but until state or federal law changes, we must work in the competitive environment that currently exists. Finally, it must make sense and be good for Loveland.
Campaign website: www.facebook .com/elizabethhughes4loveland and www.twitter.com/hughes4 loveland Age: 48 Family: Mother Marilyn Fagan (deceased in 2010), father William Thomas Fagan (deceased in 2013), son Joseph Harrison Hughes (10 years old, honors student in Arizona, tutors fellow students), two brothers, grandparents deceased, paternal grandmother and namesake was Olive “Elizabeth” Bowlen, great uncle William “Bill” Bowlen, great grandfather Patrick D. Bowlen, the renowned Canadian oilman, rancher and politician who founded the family wealth. Live with boyfriend who is a longtime Loveland resident and former HewlettPackard software designer. How long have you lived in Loveland? Two years Professional background: More than 15 years as a professional journalist trained in ethics by the Society of Professional Journalists; highlights included covering the Academy Awards backstage for Clear Channel, interviewing local and national newsmakers, serving as editor-inchief of the largest community magazine in Scottsdale, Arizona, a role in which I interacted with the city’s mayor, public information officer, council members, and covered issues in detail (pass-along reach estimated at over 132,000), investigative journalism in collaboration with other publications (was instrumental in bringing plans to end the prestigious M-Arch Program founded by Frank Lloyd Wright to light, scooping national wire services), and owned micro-media company with a 50% profit margin that negotiated various levels of sponsorships with the “Big Three” events in Arizona (Waste Management Phoenix Open/The Thunderbirds, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Barrett-Jackson). Served on the national board of directors for a cancer advocacy nonprofit and was instrumental in raising cash and in-kind
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND CITY COUNCIL WARD III
Elizabeth Hughes
awareness for a research fund allocated to ovarian cancer discoveries. In Los Angeles, produced a play at the Globe Theater, was recognized by the Paramount Pictures-Chesterfield Screenwriting Fellowship, acted and modeled and was the “babe” in a beer commercial. Political / community experience: Was a 2016 group leader and GOTV director of Hillary for California in Santa Barbara, 2016 phone bank captain of the Colorado Coordinated Effort, other volunteering and informal political consulting, fundraiser for the American Civil Liberties Union, volunteer work for Weld Food Bank, Goodwill, ran the popular blog “Grace in Colorado: Front Range Style & Substance” from 2017-19 (featured a newsletter and reach was in the thousands in Colorado and nationally), attends community meetings and City Council meetings. Education: Continuing virtual education on redistricting issues via All on the Line; certified as an Organizing for Action Fellow in 2018; Professional Institute of Real Estate in 2006; earned her bachelor’s degree in government from Dartmouth College in 1993, where she made the Dean’s List for English, was elected by the student body to the Committee on Standards and won
the First Prize Barge Oratory Award for Persuasive Speaking; graduated with high honors from Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1989. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? Offer familiarization trips to journalists in wealthy markets. Invest in a cultural and hospitality training program for service workers on the front lines (car service drivers, servers, bartenders, hotel front desk staff) that gives them a sense of pride in the artform of service and makes them vested in representing Loveland to a sophisticated traveler. The dividend will be repeat business and higher gratuities, by the way. Consider emulating the Ambassadors Program in effect in Scottsdale. Work with the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media to attract location shoots for a major motion picture or television series to Loveland ($50,000/day in expenditures locally). Be gracious to visitors, always. Our guests “make or break” any Colorado city’s hopes of becoming the next Aspen. They talk to their friends. Are metropolitan districts a viable way of funding public improvements? Why or why not? Yes. The master-planned community model works. I lived in one in Arizona and paid into its HOA happily, but developers must engage at frequent intervals to provide status updates, quantitative data and photos to the council (and de facto) the community on use of funds (i.e. “We said we were going to do this; we, in fact, did this, etc.”). The public needs adequate time to provide well-researched input in town hall settings on issues related to environmental impact, traffic impact and cost of living. The caveat on the latter is there cannot be a collective sense of denial that expansion will be thwarted by protests and personal abuse. Loveland, Colorado, is no longer a well-kept secret. If marijuana businesses are allowed in Loveland, how would you like to see them
regulated? I hope this does not happen and think the council missed an opportunity to bifurcate legalization of medical from recreational. I do not use narcotics or alcohol, so I had to research this, but Loveland would defer to Colorado’s adult and medical use regulations keeping pace with its 2014 edibles regulation. The latter is a priority concern with parents of minor children who have discussed gummy candies, etc. with me. Continuing education is critical. Loveland Police Department offers, for example, a Server Certification Program for alcohol best practices. Also background checks. If voters say “yes” to this ballot issue, which it seems they will, the city must be draconian about taxation to keep pace with challenges to law enforcement and social services discussed in the council chambers this summer. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? Incentives options, including grants, should be accessible (easy to understand) and available to any business that quantifies a long-term plan of creating new revenue and employment, including self-employment, and serving the greater good. Developers dominate conversations about incentives, from what I gather as a newcomer, because incoming retail drives revenue to the CIP. However, we also have small businesses that operate in an intellectdriven sphere. Think consultancies run out of (a place like) a desk chair that leave no carbon footprint and require no exemptions on equipment buys. These consultancies often create 1099 employment for high-functioning retirees. This generates discretionary income that feeds that same CIP. Existing BR&E analysis seems to focus on big names while allocating less consideration or even professional courtesy to smaller, non-traditional businesses. This was my experience as a consultant banging on the door for out-of-state clients and investors: a brick wall.
VOTER'S GUIDE • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • 13
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND CITY COUNCIL WARD IV
Rian Fierros Campaign website: facebook.com/ rian.fierros.4ward4/
fund a PR or marketing campaign, but there should be a seat at the table for the city to weigh in. This includes us the citizens.
Age: 50 Family: Married to Katie since 2003. Two daughters, Noe, born Jan. 16, 2008, currently a sixth-grader and on the swim team at Bill Reed Middle School, and Tai, born Sep. 13, 2011, a third-grader at Truscott Elementary. How long have you lived in Loveland? He was born and raised in Loveland. He went to Truscott, Bill Reed Middle School and graduated from Thompson Valley High School.
Professional background: Professional services consulting with a focus in governance, business process development and organizational change management. Served in the U.S. Army, 10th MASH Battalion, 571st Medevac Unit at Fort Carson and was honorably discharged in 1991.
Political / community experience: No political experience. Truscott and Bill Reed volunteer. Served as PTA/ PTO President and co-chair for Truscott from 2013-17 and currently serving as a parent volunteer. Over the last five years, my wife,
and guidelines are those that look to what was achieved in the past to help pave the path for the future. We definitely should not try to achieve this on our own.
Are metropolitan districts a viable way Under what circumstances should the of funding public improvements? Why or city offer incentive packages to businesses? why not? Metro districts can be a viable way of funding improvements with the correct checks and balances in place. This includes oversight by the city to ensure that what was promised is being delivered. We, the citizens, are the stakeholders of any endeavor that asks for an increase in property or sales tax. Metro districts have put a bad taste in many citizens’ mouths because of the inadequate oversight by our Katie, and I have provided scholar- current council. ships to incoming Bill Reed sixthIf marijuana businesses are allowed in graders wanting to learn an instruLoveland, how would you like to see them ment. Education: Graduated from Thomp- regulated? son Valley High School in 1987 and When marijuana businesses are Metropolitan State University of allowed in Loveland, we should look Denver in 1996. to the lessons learned from our What should the city’s role be in promot- Fort Collins, Longmont and Greeing tourism? ley neighbors. I would want to bring The city should play an active part in folks to hear what went well and in promoting tourism. This doesn’t what didn’t go so well. The most necessary mean the city will fully successfully implemented policies
Rich BaLL
An advocate for all of Loveland.
Maintain Loveland’s strong financial position, while WARD 1 planning for the future
• Small business owner • Lifelong Loveland resident • Grew up, worked, and raised his family here www. Facebook.com/rich-ball-for-Loveland-city-council
Paid for by Rich Ball for City Council 1801 N. Garfield Ave., Loveland, CO 80538
14 • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • VOTER'S GUIDE
Incentive packages can be a benefit to any city if negotiated fairly and with agreed upon deliverables, milestones and mandated oversight by the city. I’d want to create, if one doesn’t exist already, a committee with the sole purpose of oversight. This would include quality management (auditing) from finance/budget progress and timely status reporting to the people. We should also look to provide incentives to smaller builders and developers who can bring green technologies to Loveland. Let’s look to solar farming and hydroelectricity as a means of job creation and a way to become less dependent on old technologies. We need to realize that the time of oil and gas is fading, and if we don’t start bringing in environmentally friendly developments and incentivizing those opportunities, the youngest among us will leave Loveland.
ADD AN APPEALING CAREER SECTION TO YOUR WEBSITE. Let us show you how. Call 303.473.1402
Campaign website: www.jensenward4.com Age: 56 Family: Married with adult children, including three Loveland High school graduates How long have you lived in Loveland? Since 2005 Professional background: An electro/ mechanical tech career. Currently, he is the proprietor of Head Zeppelin Barbershop on Fourth Street and the entrepreneur behind the “Motorcuts” barber-truck. Political / community experience: No political experience. He currently volunteers with the Loveland Creative District. Education: A couple years of college, naval electrical training and barber school. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? Loveland needs to strongly promote tourism. Rocky Mountain National Park must create enterprise for our transitioning city. We own/host the park’s nearest airport, which is completing its modernization to accommodate any aircraft from across the country. We are the gateway! I recommend a name change to Continental Sky-
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND CITY COUNCIL WARD IV
Bill Jensen
port. We should launch a serious program that gets travel websites/ agencies and airlines synchronized to inform vacationers that we are open and offering strong incentives to visit Loveland. Additionally, vacation destinations frequently attract an employer’s interest. We must exploit Loveland’s position between our high-capacity airport and the park, which is a yearround destination receiving 4.5 million visitors annually. Are metropolitan districts a viable way
of funding public improvements? Why or why not? Metropolitan districts are a bag of cats to be handled carefully. Their costs and subsequent service plans need scrutiny and regulation to avoid potential future blowback. Buyers of new homes literally purchase these public improvements which are packaged under a metro district. The metro district thus has taxing authority to tax the buyer to “service” said improvements financing (bonds). Affordability is contingent on low market interest rates. It can become very complex. Furthermore, the homebuyers’ property taxes do not assist education, creating a new and difficult conversation: Why bother with a metro district neighborhood in your community if those neighbors’ kids only create additional pressure on existing schools already struggling with unworkable funding? TABOR is keeping schools underfunded, presently. Metro districts are adding injury to injury. Bottom line: The desirability of this area is crushing traditional models thus creating experimental financing under limited oversight. If marijuana businesses are allowed in
Loveland, how would you like to see them regulated? I reject prohibition if alcohol is already promoted by the community. And it requires heavy regulation and taxation to protect kids and to fund struggling schools. The taxation amount should be maximized while keeping it competitive with nearby communities already retailing. Retailing locations should be restricted as we consider the safety of our kids. Currently, the city is forfeiting sizable revenues. Nearby communities are reaping monies that our community needs and deserves. It’s a disservice to this community when your next-door neighbor brings home marijuana they purchased legally in Berthoud or elsewhere. Where alcohol is present, there is no moral argument opposing legal marijuana; it’s borderline hypocrisy. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? Business incentive packages should be linked to employment results, not promises or projections. Business must show capacity to repay incentives if results fail. We need employers with workers who promote our community by living and shopping in Loveland.
VOTER'S GUIDE • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • 15
Campaign website: www.overcash forcouncil.com and www.facebook. com/donovercashloveland Age: 69 Family: He has been married to Deborah for 45 years and has a son, David, and a daughter, Danielle How long have you lived in Loveland? Since December 2006 Professional background: He began his career as a pharmacist and developed his entrepreneurial skills through ownership of a community pharmacy in Minnesota. He moved from pharmacy retail to sales and marketing positions with Searle Pharmaceuticals, and then to a Chicago-based healthcare advertising agency whose clients were major pharmaceutical and healthcare device manufacturers. While leading business development efforts at the ad agency, Don gained valuable selling experience, which led him to begin his journey with Sandler Training as a client. By 2009, Don had served as president/turnaround specialist of four companies in both the public and private sectors. He built business development teams that consistently delivered stellar results. Throughout his career, he maintained his client relationship with Sandler, attributing his success to the expertise he continually gained through its training and reinforcement. With his strong track record and nearly 35 years of business development experience in the healthcare sector, he joined Sandler Training/Topline Growth in 2009 as an authorized trainer and principal. Today he remains passionate about bringing value to organizations and helping individuals to develop and grow through Sandler Training. Political / community experience: He was elected to represent Ward IV on the Loveland City Council in 2015 and elected by the council as mayor pro tem in 2017. He has been a
ELECTION 2019 LOVELAND CITY COUNCIL WARD IV
Don Overcash
member of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce since 2009 and is currently serving his second and final term on the chamber’s board of directors. He has also been professionally and personally involved with the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, House of Neighborly Services, Alternatives to Violence, SAVA Center, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Loveland Chamber of Commerce and Boy Scouts of America. Education: Graduated from the University of Illinois Medical Center’s five-year pharmacy bachelor’s degree program, earned a master of business administration degree from the Keller Graduate School of Management and studied at Trinity Divinity School. What should the city’s role be in promoting tourism? The city is responsible to wisely invest the 2009 voter-approved “lodging tax” in the manner directed by the ballot. The 3% tax on lodging is to be used to market Loveland as a destination and support community and destination events. In 2019, there are 18 such events. The first year the tax was collected
16 • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • VOTER'S GUIDE
resulted in approximately $480,000. In 2019 the lodging tax will approach $1 million. Loveland now consistently ranks as one of the top three cities in the state for hotel occupancy as a measure of tourist nights spent in Loveland. The work of our economic development team (Visitors Center) is impressive, as Loveland had been increasing “rooms” available while maintaining statewide top rankings. The healthy consistent growth of revenue from the lodging tax is a direct result of the success of the tourism program. Some might disagree on specific tactics, but the results the team has achieved overall is evidence of a successful strategy and sound tactical implementation. Are metropolitan districts a viable way of funding public improvements? Why or why not? This is an issue that has been looked at a great deal over the past 15-plus years. By public improvements, what is meant is public water and wastewater improvements, all public streets and those streets dedicated by plat, public storm drainage and detention improvements, all public sidewalks, as well as all rights-of-way and easements necessary for access to public improvements. The answer to the question of whether it is a “viable way” — yes. The developer, through the mill levy imposed on those choosing to purchase property is required to develop and pay for the necessary public improvements specified. This is an example of growth paying for growth. Based on the proliferation and success of metro districts throughout the state in providing housing and business sites, the financing model appears to be working. A related question would be, how could growth be financed other than a metro district, and are those
alternatives viable? It appears, at present, metropolitan districts are a viable option as they provide a financing mechanism that spreads the repayment for public improvement over the length of the borrowing instrument, which keeps the initial acquisition price lower for purchasers. If marijuana businesses are allowed in Loveland, how would you like to see them regulated? Marijuana businesses, if approved by citizen vote, should be regulated in similar fashion to businesses that sell liquor and cigarettes. Under what circumstances should the city offer incentive packages to businesses? As part of the approved Economic Development Strategic Plan, there are two categories under which businesses can seek “incentives.” The first category is primary employment/jobs incentive. This category has received the most support over the past four years that I have served on council. Council supports the current strategy of expanding our business base by attracting primary employers to our community. Primary employers are those that export greater than 50% of their goods/services outside of Larimer County. The retention of businesses is also a key strategy, as they may wish to expand or relocate their business and desire to remain in Loveland. The second category is retail development. This category is important to the city as it is through their success that citizens have access to product/services and the city maintains a healthy revenue base as sales tax is the primary revenue source for operating the city. The City of Loveland Incentive Policy adopted in October 2017 outlines the process for both primary and retail incentives. It details a seven-step process, approved by council, along with some additional terms that much be met.
ELECTION 2019 BALLOT ISSUES
City of Loveland Issue 2A WHAT IT ASKS
Community improvement projects Shall city of Loveland taxes be increased not more than six million three hundred thousand dollars in the first fiscal year of collections and by whatever amounts are raised annually thereafter by an additional temporary sales and use tax of three-tenths of one percent to be imposed beginning Jan. 1, 2020, to improve infrastructure and public safety by funding construction, operation, and maintenance of public improvements including: • widening and improvements to Eisenhower Boulevard/U.S. 34 to relieve traffic congestion and improve driver and pedestrian safety, • widening of and improvements to Taft Avenue to relieve traffic congestion and improve driver and pedestrian safety, • a replacement of Fire Station 3 and renovation of Fire Station 5 on Knobcone Drive to improve emergency response times and protect first responders, • Pedestrian and bicycle underpasses and improvements along the city’s recreation trail system, • a new full service branch library in northwest Loveland, • renovation and expansion of the Loveland Museum, With all spending reported in the city’s annual independent audit published on the city’s website; and provided these increased taxes shall not be collected after Dec. 31, 2040, and that all the tax revenues and investment earnings thereon may be collected, retained and spent as a voter-approved revenue change pursuant to Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
WHAT IT MEANS
the more they will cost.
Passage of the initiative would improve driver, cyclist and pedestrian safety, reduce traffic congestion, lower emergency response times, protect first responders, relieve crowding at the Loveland Public Library and protect property values.
A sales tax, rather than a property tax, is the best way to fund community-improvement projects. Loveland’s 3-cent sales tax is lower than the tax rates in surrounding cities, and half of the sales tax collected by the city is paid by out-of-town visitors.
WHAT OPPONENTS SAY
Loveland residents don’t want to or can’t afford to pay higher taxes, especially with the approval last year of two property tax increases for the Thompson School District, a quarter-cent Larimer County sales tax increase for mental-health serrecently purchased former Report- vices and a proposed half-cent county sales tax increase for roads on er-Herald building at 201 E. Fifth this year’s ballot. St., $22 million. Although the city needs to mainOperations and maintenance tain its infrastructure, growth costs for the library over 10 years should be paying for those needs are estimated at $11.5 million, and through capital expansion fees. If for the museum, $9.2 million. the city government had its funding priorities straight, it would have WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY enough money to pay for those More than 30 years ago, when the needs instead of having to ask the city’s population was in the mid- voters to increase their taxes. Fur30,000s, the people of Loveland had ther, the ballot language is so broad the vision to approve a sales tax that the city isn’t committed to increase to pay for a new library, using the new revenue on any of the senior-recreation center, municipal listed projects. building and park downtown that An additional library, expanded would serve current and future resi- museum and recreation-trail underdents for decades. Now that the passes should be considered population is pushing 80,000, resi- optional amenities, rather than critidents should be willing to temporar- cal infrastructure. The library’s staily raise their taxes for quality-of-life tistics show that use of its physical improvements and critical public- assets has declined over the past safety infrastructure to serve the decade as use of digital resources growing city. The longer the city skyrockets, indicating that another waits to make these improvements, library isn’t needed. JENNY SPARKS / Loveland Reporter-Herald
Standing in the bay at Fire Station 2 in southwest Loveland, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority firefighter Cole Stephenson talks Aug. 12, 2019, about how “it’s like playing Tetrus with firetrucks” when engineers try to park trucks in the small bay at the station. Another issue with the smaller bay is that there is no room for a better exhaust system. Loveland’s sales and use tax, currently at 3%, would be increased to 3.3% for 21 years, starting in 2020, to pay for several capital projects: • Widening of East Eisenhower Boulevard from Denver Avenue east to Interstate 25, at a cost of $21.2 million. • Improving the intersection at Taft Avenue and West Eisenhower Boulevard, and a few blocks of Taft north and south of the intersection, $5.2 million. • Replacing Fire Station No. 3, $6 million, and renovating Fire Station No. 5, $3.7 million. • Adding eight new underpasses along the City Recreation Trail along with other improvements, $21 million. • Building a new full-service branch library in northwest Loveland, $18.6 million. • Renovating and expanding the Loveland Museum, using the
VOTER'S GUIDE • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • 17
ELECTION 2019 BALLOT ISSUES
City of Loveland Issue 2B WHAT IT ASKS Community recreation projects
Shall city of Loveland taxes be increased not more than four million two hundred thousand dollars in the first fiscal year of collections and by whatever amounts are raised annually thereafter by an additional temporary sales and use tax of twotenths of one per cent to be imposed beginning January 1, 2020, To improve infrastructure and quality of life by funding construction, operation, and maintenance of a new community recreation and senior center in northwest loveland and other recreational facilities, with all spending reported in the city’s annual independent audit published on the city’s website; and provided these increased taxes shall not be collected after December 31, 2040, and that all the tax revenues and investment earnings thereon may be collected, retained and spent as a voter-approved revenue change pursuant to Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado ConstituThe Chilson Recreation Center in Loveland is pictured in September of 2017. tion? YES/FOR
would cost $61.7 million to build and $11.3 million to operate and maintain for 10 years, according to 2019 city estimates. The tax, 2 cents WHAT IT MEANS on every $10 spent in Loveland, Loveland’s sales and use tax, curwould end Dec. 31, 2040. rently at 3%, would be increased to 3.2% for 21 years, starting in 2020, to WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY pay for an additional recreation-senior center and other recreational More than 30 years ago, when the facilities. The city is in the process city’s population was in the midof buying 18.6 acres of land adjacent 30,000s, the people of Loveland had to Mehaffey Park in northwest the vision to approve a sales tax Loveland that would be used if the increase to pay for a new library, new center is approved. The 80,000- senior-recreation center, municipal square-foot facility would have building and park downtown that indoor and outdoor pools, fitness would serve current and future resiareas, a gym, studios, an outdoor dents for decades. Now that the pickleball complex and more, and population is pushing 80,000, it’s would share a campus with a new time for residents to reach into their branch library, if approved by vot- pockets and add a new recreation ers. and senior center — in a different The recreation-senior center part of town — that already is needNO/AGAINST
18 • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • VOTER'S GUIDE
ed as people continue to flock to Loveland and overtax the existing Chilson Recreation Center, which operates at 30% to 50% over capacity most days. A recreation-senior center shouldn’t be considered an entertainment venue but rather an amenity that a top-quality city has the responsibility to provide its residents. Additionally, Loveland’s 3-cent sales tax is lower than the tax rates in surrounding cities.
WHAT OPPONENTS SAY Loveland residents don’t want to or can’t afford to pay higher taxes, especially with the approval last year of two property tax increases for the Thompson School District, a quarter-cent Larimer County sales
JENNY SPARKS / Loveland Reporter-Herald
tax increase for mental-health services and a proposed half-cent county sales tax increase for roads on this year’s ballot.
Loveland has a number of privately owned recreation and fitness centers that already were hurt by the expansion of the Chilson Recreation Center eight years ago. A new taxpayer-funded recreation and senior center would put more unfair pressure on those private businesses. Plus, the city shouldn’t be subsidizing recreation for the people who use the rec center when many taxpaying residents won’t ever get any benefit from it. And the proposed per-square-foot cost of the new center is dramatically higher than what other Colorado cities have paid recently for new recreation facilities.
ELECTION 2019 BALLOT ISSUES
Loveland Ballot Issue 2C WHAT IT ASKS
Shall city of Loveland taxes be increased by $1.5 million annually in the first full fiscal year and by such amounts as are raised annually thereafter by imposing an excise tax of up to 15% when unprocessed retail marijuana is first sold or transferred by a retail marijuana cultivation facility and by imposing an additional sales tax of up to 15% on the sale of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products, with the rate of either or both taxes being allowed to be decreased or increased without further voter approval so long as the rate of either additional tax does not exceed 15%, and with the resulting tax revenue being allowed to be collected and spent notwithstanding any limitations provided by law?
WHAT IT MEANS
This issue goes hand in hand with Loveland Ballot Issue 2D, which asks voters to lift Loveland’s current ban on marijuana businesses. Issue 2C authorizes the city to collect additional taxes on recreational marijuana sales, as allowed by state law, and set that tax at a maximum of 15%. This does not mean the city will automatically collect that high of a tax, but it allows the city to set their own extra taxes, and change the rate if they see fit, without any further vote of the people. The tax, if approved, applies only to recreational marijuana sales and does not apply to medical marijuana.
WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY If voters allow marijuana sales within Loveland, the city needs the flexibility of collecting additional taxes to cover any associated costs,
JENNY SPARKS / Loveland Reporter-Herald
Kelly White of Loveland, right, buys recreational marijuana from Nicholas Cretecos, an employee at Choice Organics in Larimer County, on March 7, 2016. which could include those tied to inspections, regulation and land use as well as increased law enforcement and court costs. Officials say they need the flexibility to set, and possibly change, that tax depending upon the costs they incur but also that the city will not set it too high, thereby sending customers to nearby Fort Collins and Berthoud dispensaries and other businesses. But
without the costs known, the city wants to allow the maximum and have the flexibility to choose a reasonable tax within that range.
WHAT OPPONENTS SAY Opponents have primarily focused their attention, not on the additional tax, but on the larger issue of allowing marijuana businesses within Loveland. However, some have pointed out that sur-
rounding cities, towns and counties that do allow marijuana sales have not charged the full 15% allowed by state law. They caution that if Loveland were to assess the maximum 15% allowed, shoppers would continue to drive to Fort Collins, Berthoud or Weld County for their products. Some say sales should be about getting the product to people and not about making money.
VOTER'S GUIDE • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • 19
ELECTION 2019 BALLOT ISSUES
Loveland Ballot Issue 2D
WHAT IT ASKS City of Loveland question authorizing retail and medical marijuana dispensaries, cultivation, manufacturing, and research testing facilities to be located within the city. Shall the city council be authorized to permit retail and medical marijuana dispensaries, cultivation facilities, and manufacturing, research and testing facilities to be located in the city subject to regulations to be passed by the city council?
WHAT IT MEANS This measure, if approved, would essentially lift Loveland’s ban on marijuana businesses within the city limits. It would allow dispensaries as well as testing, cultivation and manufacturing businesses to open within Loveland, though they would have to follow parameters still to be set by the city. If this measure passes, the city will set those JENNY SPARKS / Loveland Reporter-Herald parameters, which could include a Colton Coulimore, a manager at Green Tree Medicinals takes out some of the store’s Nina’s Web marijuana as customers limit to the number of facilities as pick out products at the cannabis dispensary in Berthoud on April 24, 2019. well as conditions on where the facilities may be located within the Though Loveland has been city. touched by marijuana sales in other communities, the city should conWHAT SUPPORTERS SAY Loveland residents drive to dis- tinue to protect its youth by mainpensaries in Berthoud, Fort Collins taining a ban on products sold and and other neighboring communi- made within Loveland. Health offities to buy both medical and recre- cials say as the drug has become ational marijuana and it is time for more available, access also has both to be offered within Loveland. increased to youth, whose brains Residents would be able to buy are still forming and are more sustheir needed medical marijuana ceptible to the effects of the drug. here, without a long drive, and the They say the health effects as well city would benefit from additional as ripple effects that include tax revenue that is currently going increased crime, increased emerto other communities. The drug is gency room visits and increased already in Loveland by way of near- dangers to fetuses have become a by dispensaries, and the worse case reality in Colorado. Some say the scenarios of an increase in crimes push to open Loveland to these and a drop in quality of life have not businesses is about money and happened here or in other commu- greed and will also open the door to nities that do allow these business- changes to residents’ quality of life. es. Marijuana businesses also Larimer County’s sheriff, a vocal JENNY SPARKS / Loveland Reporter-Herald would bring additional jobs into the opponent of marijuana sales, also pointed out that, marijuana use is Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith gives information related to marijuana, community and are highly regulat“not in a vacuum” and is often other drugs and crimes to Loveland City Council members on July 9, 2019, as ed. mixed with heroin, methamphet- they discuss whether to ask voters if the city should open up to marijuana sales amine and other, harder drugs. WHAT OPPONENTS SAY and cultivation 20 • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • VOTER'S GUIDE
ELECTION 2019 BALLOT ISSUES
Larimer County Ballot Issue 1A WHAT IT ASKS
Shall Larimer County taxes be increased $39,000,000 annually (estimated first fiscal year dollar increase in 2020), and by whatever additional amount as may be raised annually thereafter, for a period of 20 years by the imposition of a 0.5% (50 cents on 100 dollars) sales and use tax, with all revenue from such tax to be used in accordance with the Board of County Commissioners Resolution No. 08272019R008 to serve community members in Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Timnath, Johnstown and unincorporated areas of Larimer County as follows: — $10,000,000 for local match to JENNY SPARKS / Loveland Reporter-Herald fund improvements to Interstate Motorists travel on Interstate 25 between Colo. 402 and Colo. 60 on Aug. 27, Highway I-25 between State High2019.
A
way 402 and State Highway 66 allocated from the first $2,000,000 collected in each of the first five(5) years of tax collection; and with the remaining proceeds distributed as follows: — Between 45% to 50% to design and construct transportation capacity expansion projects on major streets, highways, and roadways, which may include, without limitation, intersections, bicycle lanes, grade separated crossings, sidewalks, signalization and other improvements related to regional mobility; — Between 15% and 20% to plan, design, construct, equip, and operate public transportation directly or by agreement; and — 35% to purchase, construct, SEE ISSUE 1A, PAGE 22
voice for you!
fact Based - Solutions centered candidate
Andrea is a Paralegal practiced in research and data analysis. Andrea will utilize critical thinking combined with data, research and collaboration to find solutions that benefit Loveland.
New face, New Perspective
Andrea has lived in Loveland for 16 cumulative years and is raising her family here. She listens to our citizens and knows the needs of families, older adults, and young people - her perspective is comprised of her experiences, research, and concerns of Loveland Citizens. She is first and foremost an advocate for the people she represents.
A voice for Loveland’s citizens
Loveland Citizens and the future of our city are Andrea’s top priorities. Andrea believes in the accountability of decision making - every decision made with tax dollars should benefit the tax payer.
I have big goals for the next four years, but the biggest is helping Loveland take back Loveland.
andreasamson.com | 970-599-1192 Email: andrea@andreasamson.com
vote for Andrea Samson this November 5th
Let’s connect! @Andrea4Loveland www.AndreaSamson.com VOTER'S GUIDE • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • 21
ELECTION 2019
ISSUE 1A from page 21
equip, operate, maintain, improve, remodel, replace, and lease existing and future larimer county facilities including a consolidated center for human and economic health services and veterans services, expanded alternative sentencing and community corrections facilities, expanded number of courtrooms and associated support space for the state 8th Judicial District Court and Larimer County Court, and for public facilities as more particularly described in the Larimer County 2018 Facilities Master Plan as adopted and as may be amended from time to time after public hearing; And shall the county be authorized to collect, retain and spend all proceeds of such a tax without limitation by Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution, and further provided that an annual report shall be published and provided to the
Board of County Commissioners on the designation or use of the revenues from the tax increase in the preceding calendar year consistent with its approved purposes?
court. Of the overall total, 65% would go to transportation and roads, including public transportation as well as needed regional road projects. From that overall transportation piece, $2 million per year WHAT IT MEANS for the first five years, totaling $10 Shoppers in Larimer County, million, would be set aside as including in all the cities and towns matching funding for a future Interas well as the unincorporated areas state 25 expansion. would pay an additional 50 cents WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY sales tax on every $100 they spend, excluding purchases of food and Larimer County has been frugal medicine, for the next 20 years. The with taxpayers’ money and has county would spend that money, done as much as it can with its existwhich is estimated to be $39 million ing revenue, including paying for in the first year, on transportation construction of the new Larimer and facilities needs. Of that, 35% County Loveland Campus and would be spend on facilities needs, financing an expansion of the Larincluding upgraded facilities for imer County Jail. But it has run out human services and veterans ser- of resources, and millions of dollars vices and expanded facilities for in needs are still piling up. This will community sentencing, alternative allow needed upgrades to buildings sentencing and county and district and roads throughout the region
and pump money into public transportation, maintaining service and improving quality of life. A sales tax spreads the burden out onto everyone who shops in the region, not just on those who own property.
WHAT OPPONENTS SAY The tax burden, both with sales tax and property taxes, is already too high throughout Larimer County. The government should learn to live within its means and to operate with its existing tax revenue instead of always wanting more. Compounding the increase, both Larimer County and the city of Loveland are asking for a 0.5% sales tax in the same year for transportation and facilities. And increased sales taxes could cause some people to cut back on their purchases, thereby affecting the entire Larimer County economy.
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ELECTION 2019 STATEWIDE
Colorado Proposition CC
WHAT IT ASKS “Without raising taxes and to better fund public schools, higher education, and roads, bridges, and transit, within a balanced budget, may the state keep and spend all the revenue it annually collects after June 30, 2019, but is not currently allowed to keep and spend under Colorado law, with an annual independent audit to show how the retained revenues are spent?”
It will allow state government to keep the money it collects from existing sources annually instead of refunding some to taxpayers when annual revenue growth, which is tied to inflation and the percentage change in state population, exceeds that. Any money collected above this limit is refunded to taxpayers unless the voters allow the state to spend it. Proposition CC would eliminate that cap allowing the state to keep WHAT IT MEANS and spend all future excess revenue Proposition CC would allow the on transportation, K-12 schools and state to retain revenue it refunds higher education rather than under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights refunding it to taxpayers. for education and transportation WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY purposes. The measure would It will help take care of some funrequire the state auditor to hire a private entity to conduct an annual damental structural problems, parfinancial audit regarding use of ticularly the state’s ability to meet public funds as provided under the mea- the funding needs of sure. schools, higher education institu-
tions, and the state transportation network. Essentially Colorado will be able to fill potholes, fix roads and bridges and improve Colorado schools by hiring and retaining the best teachers. Colorado ranks in the bottom third in per-pupil public spending on both K-12 and higher education while currently ranking in the top third of states in household income. The measure will help improve the state’s economy with investments that help all Coloradans — without raising the tax rate. It will allow elected officials to make better policy decisions while preserving the citizens’ right to vote on any new state taxes and tax rate increases The measure provides transparency, requiring annual, independent audits to show the public how the money was spent.
WHAT OPPONENTS SAY
The permanent elimination of TABOR refunds required by the Colorado Constitution would result in higher taxes. Taxpayers are being asked to sacrifice their refunds to pay for programs that should already be funded within the state budget. Even with the TABOR limit, the state government has already shifted money between funds and raised fees and tolls to increase its revenue faster than inflation and state population growth. [cq comment=”Proposition CC will cause government to expand at an even faster pace.”] The measure’s proposed spending on education and transportation could be changed in the future without voter approval. Proposition CC will cause government to expand at an even faster pace.
Colorado Proposition DD WHAT IT ASKS
“Shall state taxes be increased by twenty-nine million dollars annually to fund state water projects and commitments and to pay for the regulation of sports betting through licensed casinos by authorizing a tax on sports betting of ten percent of net sports betting proceeds, and to impose the tax on persons licensed to conduct sports betting operations?”
WHAT IT MEANS The measure will allow the legis-
lature to authorize sports betting and create a 10% tax on sports betting proceeds to be levied on those who conduct sports betting operations. The new revenues will help take care of the administration and regulation of sports betting in Colorado, and will be used to fund water projects and water-related obligations. The measure is on the ballot because the Colorado constitution requires the voters to approve new taxes.
water resources as the state’s population continues to grow. Legalizing sports betting in Colorado will create consumer protections for people who place sports bets, ensuring that they receive their winnings and do not fall victim to fraud or abuse.
WHAT OPPONENTS SAY
Proposition DD may contribute to gambling addiction as people will be able to make bets online or on mobile sports betting platforms WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY operated by Colorado casinos. It It will protect the state’s scarce puts no limits on the amount a per-
son can bet on sports. Of the millions in potential revenue, only $130,000 each year is dedicated to gambling addiction services, and this amount does not grow with any increase in sports betting activity.
The measure aims to take care of Colorado’s water needs without providing enough detail or money. Specific water projects are not identified, and some may have potential unintended consequences for the environment and some communities. Also, it will pay for only a portion of the Colorado Water Plan.
VOTER'S GUIDE • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • 23
VOTE YES ON 1A Equates to 50 CENTS of $100 spent on everything EXCEPT groceries + medicine. 65% OF THE REVENUE is dedicated to ROAD, TRANSIT + MULTI-MODAL PROJECTS to address transportation infrastructure needs in our eight municipalities and countywide, including a $10M local match to complete the I25 expansion between State Highways 402 and 66. 35% OF THE REVENUE is dedicated to HIGH-PRIORITY FACILITIES PROJECTS, including Alternative Sentencing, Community Corrections, Justice Center expansions and consolidation of our Human, Economic and Health Services facilities. Annual revenue is expected to be $32M in the first year, with 4% annual growth during the 20-year duration.
Learn. Donate. Volunteer.
betterlarimercounty.com #betterlarimercounty 24 • OCTOBER 13, 2019 • VOTER'S GUIDE
Regional Transportation
Funding for improvements to I-25 from SH402 to SH66 Expand and improve major streets in cities and towns Increased capacity of roads connecting communities Improved alternative modes of transportation including bike lanes, trails, sidewalks, etc Enhanced public transportation service to reduce congestion Veterans
Improved customer service Increased privacy and security Community meeting space Children, Families + Seniors
Bringing together child protection services to promote successful family outcomes Enhanced services for a growing population of older adults Convenient access to workforce, health and human services Public Safety
Increased access to jail alternatives Expanded opportunities for treatment courts, ie DUI, Mental Health + Drug Courts Timely processing of family law, child protection + civil cases
What can a HALF PENNY do for Larimer County residents?
VIEW MASTER PLANS + READ FAQ'S
BETTERLARIMERCOUNTY.COM
Our Larimer County team continues to outperform by being fiscally responsible and building Master Plans to address major public issues like Transportation, Public Safety, and Mental Health. The Half Penny Tax Proposal has been thoroughly vetted, and as citizens keen on building a better Larimer County, we confidently support 1A.
PAID FOR BY BUILDING A BETTER LARIMER COUNTY, POB 271623, Fort Collins, CO 80527-1623 | info@betterlarimercounty.com