Boulder Weekly's 2010 Ballot Picks (cont'd)

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 33

Dianne Primavera

Like most of the candidates, Don Beezley wants to create jobs and economic opportunity. But he says the “legislature has shown it is sorely lacking in basic common sense in these areas,” and wants to pursue legislation that “sets the foundation for creating real, lasting jobs so we can create opportunity for Coloradans while watching our budget and growing our economy.”

So, once again, we have a Republican who insists we need to cut even more from a state budget that has been slashed by millions already and is barely able to fund minimal public services. Granted, it may be tempting for those who are cash-strapped in this economy to be attracted to the idea of keeping more in their pockets, but how about roads, education, prisons and health care? We are already scraping bone here, people.

Dianne Primavera is a seasoned veteran who has already supported a jobs tax credit for companies and recently sponsored a job fair in the district. She claims to have saved taxpayers $140 million by eliminating corporate tax giveaways, and as a four-time cancer survivor, she’s been tough on insurance companies, passing legislation that bans them from handing out bonuses for denying claims.

Our pick is Primavera.

FOURMILE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 5A

Yes

The Fourmile Fire Protection District currently receives an annual mill levy of 7.292 for general operating expenses. The district wants to increase that annual mill by 4.708. One mill amounts to $1 for every $1,000 of property value in the district. The district encompasses 22 square miles that include the towns of Orodell, Crisman, Salina, Summerville, Wallstreet and Sunset, with a total population of 2,200.

There are four fire stations in the district that are staffed by 40 volunteers and house seven emergency vehicles: three engines, three water tenders and one Humvee brush truck.

During the recent Fourmile fire that burned more than 6,000 acres, the district exhausted its resources within the first couple of days of the fire and required assistance from neighboring districts and eventually state and federal support. The district also lost one of the four stations in the fire.

This is a no-brainer. Vote YES.

LYONS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 4A

Yes

The Lyons Fire Protection District wants to spend up to $870,000 on a structural/wildland urban interface engine and water tender truck to replace outdated vehicles, as well as a quick-response vehicle and firefighting and fire protection equipment, including a portable diesel pump and a portable generator. There will be a maximum repayment of up to $1.5 million and an annual tax increase of up to $150,000 in the district.

With the recent wildfires in the area, we think this is a worthy cause to invest in. It’s not a question of whether there will be another big forest fire here in Boulder County, only a question of when. Vote YES.

SUGAR LOAF FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 5B

Yes

The Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District is asking for the mill levy that was approved by voters in 1996 to be extended. The levy, which is used to cover basic fire prevention capabilities and replacing capital equipment, is set to expire at the end of 2010. The Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District covers 17 square miles and includes parts of Colorado Hwy. 119, Sugar Loaf Road, Magnolia Road, a water treatment plant for the City of Boulder, Boulder County Open Space, City of Boulder Mountain Parks and several thousand acres of Arapahoe-Roosevelt National Forest. Thirty to 40 volunteers staff the district year-round, using three stations and 10 emergency vehicles. The Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District also helped in fighting and containing the Fourmile Canyon fire.

Considering that fire and its impact, who wouldn’t vote to extend this useful tax? Vote YES.

JUDGE RETENTION

As usual, there will be a whole slew of questions on the ballot about whether to retain state and local judges. None of the judges deserve the boot. The Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, which monitors judges in the state, has ruled that all of the judges and justices that are on this year’s ballot in Boulder County merit retention, and we’ll go with their recommendation.

PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 3C

Yes

Ballot Issue 3C for Park School District R-3 asks voters for a $2.5 million total debt increase for the district, with a repayment of $2.7 million and no increase in property taxes.

But this measure would only go into effect if Amendment 61 passes. (Amendment 61, as you might know, is one of what is being called the “Bad Three” and could have disastrous consequences for school funding.)

Measure 3C would basically give the school district authority to borrow extra funds if needed, providing a safety net in the event that the state’s no-interest loan program is suspended. If Amendment 61 fails, then it’s business as usual and the school district doesn’t have to borrow any extra money. Not only is this measure a good idea in and of itself, but we also have to applaud the district’s forward thinking. Better to have a plan and not need it than to be caught with your pants down. Vote YES on Park School District Ballot Issue 3C.

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT, DISTRICT L

Bob Wilson Bob Wilson and Lorraine Anderson are competing for the RTD Board of Directors for District L. The directors are elected to terms of four years. District L includes portions of Arvada, Broomfield, Louisville, Superior and Westminster.

A major focus for both candidates is kick-starting the FasTracks program, specifically the Gold Line, which would run from Denver to Arvada/ Wheat Ridge. Both Anderson and Wilson say that while a tax increase will almost certainly be needed to help pay for the project’s completion, grants, loans and other “creative” sources of funding need to be found as well.

Lorraine Anderson has worked with local government for 24 years and has represented Arvada on the Denver Regional Council of Governments for 17. Anderson says she has good relationships with local and regional leaders and will be able to build strong coalitions with a variety of groups.

Wilson stresses that he is a candidate, not a politician. A professional engineer registered with the state, he says he will use his experience in power systems engineering, along with his understanding of infrastructure engineering, project management and land use to finish the FasTracks project quickly. He also stresses the importance of making FasTracks and other projects “green,” and says he has the expertise to help make this possible. We’re going with Bob Wilson.

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT, DISTRICT O

John Tayer is running unopposed.

Boulder Weekly's 2010 Ballot Picks (cont'd)

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