To the editor:
I’m asking for support for 2A – the Manitou Springs ballot issue asking for voters to let City Council raise the Excise (Amusement) Tax – “Vote ‘Yes’ on 2A.”
The opponents are well financed and well organized. You have likely seen signs and mailers and Facebook has had quite a bit of discussion as well. In response, I have a blog with my answers to Frequently Asked Questions about 2A, my pitch for 2A, and a brief accounting of the big projects the City has undertaken and completed in the last five years. That will help you see how we’ve spent money, set priorities, and demonstrate the momentum I feel is critical for our future.
To find the blog, google: manitouspringsmayorsthoughts.blog
The Excise Tax increase would apply to admissions for things like Cog tickets. It would be paid largely by tourists.
What has not been discussed much are the limited consequences if 2A does not pass. A property tax increase seems unavoidable to me. That’s a tax paid by property owners – residents. You and your neighbors and friends.
Consequently, your vote today will say a great deal about our tomorrow. Please be informed and vote wisely.
Note: Colorado campaign law forbids elected officials from using public resources, money, equipment, staff time, etc. for election issues. Consequently, I’m sending this email from my personal account and doing this on my own time and using my own computer. No public money has been used for this, and I alone am responsible for this. In fact, you will probably find my blog pretty rudimentary, but feel free to share it with your friends and neighbors.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions and will try to respond, most likely putting the answers on the blog.
Thanks,
John Graham, Mayor
