Dear Editor:
“Pride Month” was observed in June, and celebrated by some, here in Pagosa Springs. For myself, and many taxpayers, it was disturbing that two public entities chose to be financial sponsors for “Pagosa Pride” events: Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC), a ‘Gold’ sponsor, and our own Archuleta County Public Health Department (ACPHD), a ‘Silver’ sponsor.
Both of these public entities are heavily dependent upon taxpayer dollars for their ongoing operational needs. Both serve important services to county residents. Both often complain about financial shortfalls. Yet both found resources available to serve as generous sponsors of this highly controversial, politically charged organization and were completely dismissive of the serious moral concerns many residents have over this organization’s cultural values, political positions, and abnormal activities and events.
But now comes PSMC with ballot measure 7B, requesting to be permanently ‘de-Bruced’ from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). Why? To retain and control any refundable tax revenues they received above TABOR limits. Are you serious? If they are so short on funds, why are they using their financial resources to be a Gold Sponsor of highly controversial Pride events?! Now they ask for more otherwise refundable tax dollars to be placed under their permanent control? Unbelievable!
By now, I hope our County Commissioners have addressed this issue with the ACPHD. But since they have no control over the hospital district, it will be up to us voters on November 3 to reign in the leadership within the PSMC so that this breach of trust and misuse of funds ends now.
Vote NO on Ballot Issue 7B to protect your tax dollars and keep this permanent de-Brucing from taking place. This is a disgusting and inappropriate financial use of public funds. Say ‘No’ to send a clear message, “Don’t ever let this happen again!”
State ballot Proposition NN is similar. It is a tax increase that permanently reduces or eliminates TABOR refunds. Rather than have those unused tax dollars go back to the taxpayer, they will be retained by the state and used, supposedly, for education or other purposes whether needed or not.
Finally, state ballot Amendment 87, which is seven pages long and very complicated (so you know there are problems), seeks to increase state taxes by $2.7 billion annually for various public services. It turns Colorado’s flat tax system into a graduated or progressive form of taxation. It will amend TABOR’s very fair and predictable single-rate guaranteed tax system. Multiple rates will be applied to multiple income levels. As in California, businesses will very likely begin relocating to other states, and Colorado will attract fewer and fewer new businesses. Jobs will be lost. We’ve seen the results elsewhere: Government will expand and wasteful spending will further grow out of control. It will be disastrous for our state.
So please vote NO on Proposition 7B, NO on Proposition NN, and NO on Amendment 87. Much is at risk if we do otherwise.
Ellen Schmidt
>