BizWest election positions throughout region

Voting throughout the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado has been ongoing by mail, with Nov. 3 the official election date. With that date fast approaching, here’s a rundown of new and prior BizWest positions on some of the region’s ballot measures:

Boulder — Ballot measure 300:

Opposed. This ballot measure, dubbed “Neighborhood Right to Vote on Land Use Regulation Changes,” would allow 10 percent of voters within one of 66 neighborhoods to force a neighborhood vote on a proposed change in land-use regulation. This measure would stifle any further development in the city, contributing to the high cost of housing.

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Boulder — Ballot measure 301:

Opposed. This measure, dubbed, “Development Shall Pay Its Own Way,” ties the hands of the city government when considering any waiver or abatement of fees associated with a development project, even when that development would bring a benefit to the community. This measure includes vague requirements for the city to determine what a new development would cost the city in terms of services. It’s a ballot measure that would likely spur lawsuits.

Greeley — City charter amendment 2E.

Support. This provision will amend the city charter to remove a requirement for a public vote on retention of the city manager every six years. We believe the City Council’s ability to remove a city manager is sufficient, without politicizing the office by requiring a public vote.

Greeley — Ballot measures 2A and 2B.

Support. Greeley voters should adopt these ballot measures, one of which would generate $9.4 million annually for street maintenance and improvements through an increase in the sales-and-use tax. The second measure would extend a 3.46 percent tax on groceries, with proceeds used for maintenance of facilities, parks and streets. Greeley’s infrastructure desperately needs the funds.

Brighton, Fort Collins and Loveland — Measures that would allow the communities to offer high-speed Internet.

Support. Such measures already have passed in Longmont and Boulder, with Longmont now covering 20 percent of the city with broadband. Other communities should have that same opportunity, a boon for residents and businesses.

Loveland — Ballot measures 5B and 5C.

Support. These measures would allow the Loveland Downtown Development Authority to raise taxes and incur debt to be used for improvements downtown. Downtown Loveland has made great strides in its revitalization, but much more work remains to be done. Additional resources will contribute to the area’s revival.

Colorado — Proposition BB.

Support. This measure will determine whether the state must refund $66 million in excess state revenues to the retail marijuana industry or retain those revenues for public-school construction, law enforcement, youth programs or marijuana education. We believe a looming state budget crisis should prompt voters to allow the funds to be retained.