Why Mayor Suthers Will Ask You (Again) to Open Your Wallet at the Ballot Box
Mayor John Suthers was first elected to be the Mayor of Colorado Springs in the spring of 2015. Since then, he has placed an issue on the ballot nearly every year asking to raise taxes or keep more of your hard-earned money. He will be back at the ballot this November asking for more financial support and it’s likely he will ask again next April before he leaves office.
Look, we get it. A growing city has challenges that need to be addressed and oftentimes, it makes sense to increase taxes. Financial resources are required to increase the quality of services a city provides or to take care of critical infrastructure such as roads, sewers, and parks. However, our government has a responsibility to be good stewards of our tax dollars and to ensure we’re maximizing funding sources before asking citizens for more money.
Right now, this truth could not be more relevant. With inflation at near record levels, grocery and utility bills through the roof, and stagnant wages, the people of Colorado Springs are feeling an unprecedented strain on their budget.
The responsible move for our city government? Tap into the $15 million per year in tax revenues it has willingly forfeited over the last decade. Ending the prohibition of recreational cannabis sales and placing a 5% special tax on recreational cannabis is the equivalent of a 5% boost in the city’s 2022 budget. These dollars would be put to work addressing the biggest challenges in Colorado Springs.
- In 2021, we led the state in suicides. Voting yes on 300 and 301 would provide millions of dollars in resources to help end our mental health crisis.
- Our city is home to 80,000 veterans, many of whom experience the effects of PTSD and TBI. With more resources, we can ensure our American heroes have access to the care they deserve right here at home.
- As a rapidly growing city experiencing the challenges that come with growth, making an investment in our public safety is paramount. Infusing millions of dollars into improving our public safety infrastructure will ensure our neighborhoods remain safe for our families and kids.
When Mayor Suthers tells you we don’t need the revenues that come with recreational marijuana sales, remember this: He’s the same Mayor asking for more of your hard-earned money year after year since being elected. It’s time we demand our city end prohibition and ensure tax dollars that belong to our city remain in our city – not be sent up the road to support special projects in Denver, Manitou Springs or Pueblo.
Ready for change? It’s your community, your money, and your choice. Vote yes on 300 and 301.
