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Centennial Citizen 9
October 18, 2013
School-funding tax wrong in many ways
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Lest I be accused of never supporting a tax increase, I urge that you vote “Yes” on Proposition AA, this November’s ballot measure that would raise taxes on recreational marijuana to pay for its regulation and to keep it out of the hands of kids. However, that is definitely as far as I will go for this election. Amendment 66, the $1 billion a year income tax increase for school funding, cries out for a sound thumping at the polls for a host of reasons. • It raises taxes on a frail economic recovery when Coloradans haven’t seen their incomes budge since 2000. It proposes to spend an additional $1 billion per year on an unreformed school system just as Colorado is attempting to recover from floods that were one of the worst natural disasters in state history. • It’s a wealth redistribution scheme that unfairly burdens taxpayers in communities like the one I represent. • It funnels more funding through the state, further undermining the principle
of local control through elected school boards, and vests ever more power in a remote Denver legislature. In 2008, Colorado and the nation experienced the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. While the economy has marginally improved since then, the recovery remains tentative. Raising taxes on an anemic economy is exactly what the doctor didn’t order. If Amendment 66 passes, the formula that determines how the proceeds will be allocated between school districts
was written into legislation sponsored by Denver Democrat Sen. Michael Johnson, approved by the Denver-dominated Legislature, and signed into law by Denver Democrat Gov. John Hickenlooper. The formula was adopted without a single Republican vote. Because the formula favors low-income students and English-language learners, it favors Denver and Aurora over more affluent districts like Cherry Creek. For example, Boulder, Douglas and Jefferson counties (similar to Cherry Creek) will pay nearly one-third of the new income taxes, but their school districts will receive only a little more than half of those dollars back. For a parent whose children attend Cherry Creek schools, a yes vote on Amendment 66 is a vote that will make it just that much more difficult for those schools to retain their nationally recognized high standards. If I have learned anything in my seven years as a state legislator, it’s the “golden rule”: He who has the gold, makes the
rules. Amendment 66 is a statewide income tax that will be administered under the Gold Dome. While well-intentioned, the state legislators who represent the eastern plains, our mountain communities and inner-city Denver don’t understand the needs of your children’s neighborhood school nearly as well as your local Cherry Creek school board member does. Going to school board meetings is easy — try it. You can shake your school board member’s hand and discuss issues that affect your child’s education. Try that with a legislator from Durango. Or Sterling. It ain’t gonna happen. If Amendment 66 passes, a distant and remote Legislature will have just that much more control over your child’s education. Don’t let that happen. Vote no on Amendment 66. Republican Spencer Swalm is a state representative for District 37, which includes part of Centennial
Start planning now for next year’s success
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This is the time of year where I am having conversations and planning sessions with corporate clients and individuals as we set expectations, set budgets, and plan for the success in the coming year. Like many people I speak with, the planning for our individual success starts to take shape around December, with many people waiting until the end of December, like maybe even New Year’s Eve. How would next year be different if we took out our notebook or computer and started sketching out our plans, goals, desires, and dreams for next year right now,
o y,
today? Would this give us time to think through them in more detail, understand what is truly feasible versus what is desir-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
vote Continued from Page 8
okey That’s what ballot issue 3B represents. arter Our schools are on average 50 years old. nnial Their roofs, plumbing, ventilation systems, electrical systems, flooring, fire and safety systems need major repairs and upgrades to keep them safe learning environments for all of our students. The state does not oard provide funding for school repairs, so it is not surprising that the needs far exceed the n its district’s budget. Much of this work in all LPS schools can be completed through this , $80 million bond issue, which would NOT increase the tax rate for LPS taxpayers. Putting this issue before voters was g not a decision we took lightly. The list red, of critical needs in our school buildings day keeps growing, and these issues must be ans addressed locally. Historically low interest nt in rates have created a rare opportunity to ion make a significant, positive impact on our schools without increasing the taxes you pay to LPS. We felt it was our obligation to bring this question to our community’s voters to decide. We encourage you to join us in voting in favor of ballot issue 3B this November in support of our schools. Your Littleton Public Schools Board of Education Bob Colwell, president; Lucie Stanish, vice president; Renee Howell, treasurer; Mary Nichols, secretary; Sue Chandler, assistant secretary
School vote deserves support
Voting yes on 3B is an easy decision for me and I hope it will be for others. We moved to Colorado almost 10 years ago and we chose Littleton Public Schools because of the history of excellence. My children have thrived in our LPS schools. Our strong schools benefit our children directly, but also have a positive impact on our property values and our community as a whole. I respect the prudent decisions that have been made by our LPS leadership. As a district, we always put our children first and we don’t spend taxpayer dollars on fancy extras. LPS has a long history of making smart decisions that promote both academic excellence and fiscal responsibility. This history has built trust and good will with our community. Ballot Issue 3B is another smart decision. The $80 million in funds generated by 3B will go directly to a well-researched list of important repairs and safety improve-
ments. By refinancing existing debt at a lower interest rate, the school district is able to issue new bonds without increasing the tax rate. This approach is consistent what many of us have done as homeowners — refinance so that funds can go back into maintain our property. I trust that LPS will always keep our children safe at school, but with the funds from 3B we can finally make serious repairs to roofs, HVAC systems, electrical and other areas that will help keep our buildings safe and strong for the future. I know that many of my fellow residents do not have children in our schools, but this community has a strong history of supporting our schools. Please join me in voting yes on 3B. Amy Walker Kurtz Centennial
Former board chiefs back 3B
As former presidents of the Littleton Public Schools Board of Education, we have a commitment to our community’s children and schools. We, too, have faced the challenge of maintaining a safe, secure and supportive learning environment for our students in our older school buildings. We have watched with great interest and satisfaction as this board has made decisions that are financially sound and in the best interests of the entire community. We support this board’s decision to ask voters to approve the sale of $80 million in bonds this November for school repairs. We can each attest to the challenges LPS faces when trying to maintain its aging facilities. Keeping our schools safe and in good condition is the right thing to do for students, for employees, and for the community as a whole. The fact that this can be done without increasing the tax rate means that there is no better time. Delaying would only mean paying higher interest rates and having less funding for school improvements. These are the kinds of responsible decisions you want your elected officials to make on your behalf. We will be voting YES on 3B this November. We strongly urge you to vote yes, as well. Aims McGuinness, BOE term 1983-1991; Karen Kaplan, BOE term 1979-1995; William Cisney, BOE term 1993-1997; Jack Ballard, BOE term 1991-1999; Mary McGlone, BOE term 1995-2005; Diana Holland, BOE term 1999-2007
able? I think the answer is yes. What will 2014 look like for you? What is it that you want to be, do, or have? What will it take to get you there? Who can help you achieve your goals? What are the obstacles in your way? How much are you willing to invest in yourself and in others to meet and exceed your expectations? How much time are you willing to commit? What other resources do you need in order to reach success? I know that sounds like a lot of questions and maybe even a lot of work, but taken one at a time and over a period of time it becomes so much
easier. That is why successful companies and people take planning for success very seriously and start well in advance of the coming year. How are you doing with planning your own success for 2014? Are you planning and preparing to win? I would love to hear all about it at gotonorton@gmail.com and as you plan your own success it will be a better than good week. Michael Norton, a resident of Highlands Ranch, is the former president of the Zig Ziglar organization and CEO and founder of www.candogo.com
WHAT'S HAPPENING NEAR YOU? Want to know what news is happening in your area and the areas around you? Visit our website at www.ourcoloradonews.com.
OBITUARIES Wenrich
Mary Elizabeth Wenrich May 26, 1923 - August 13, 2013
Mary Elizabeth Wenrich, 90 years old. Born May 26, 1923 in New York City NY. Passed away August 13, 2013. She moved to Colorado over 50 years ago and lived here in Littleton until 2011. She is survived by her daughters , Lisa Wenrich- Baltimore MD, and LoriAnne Wenrich Littleton, CO. and Granddaughter Keenan Sunderwirth –Cambridge MA Mary was well known and loved by many for her kind heart and willingness to help all. In 1990 the Arapahoe County Bar Association awarded her the Charles B. Dillon award, and in 1991 she was voted Littleton’s “Most Valuable Citizen”, an honor that she truly cherished for the rest of her life. She donated over 3000 hours of volunteer time at the Arapahoe Library District from 2000-2007. During her time in Littleton she wrote for both the Littleton Independent and for the Denver post “zone” edition. She served on numerous boards and committees including; “American Women in Radio and Television”, the “Young Musicians Foundation”, and she was appointed as a special advocate as a Guardian Ad Litem for her work with abused children through “Court House Incorporated” (CHINS- now known as Beacon Center) Mary never wanted anyone to mourn her passing, but rather to celebrate her life. In accord with her wishes, a “Party” to do just that will be held on October 19th at 2pm at the Southglenn Commons Club house at 2295 E Geddes Ave Centennial Co 80122. We hope all that knew her can attend.
Private Party Contact: Viola Ortega 303-566-4089 obituaries@ourcoloradonews.com
Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com