Letters - Monday

Questions unanswered on 1A

I've been reading the reports on the 1A "JOBS Now" ballot issue, but still have many unanswered questions. I am all for seeing an increase in job opportunities in Colorado Springs. I watched and experienced the job losses (mostly technology sector) in Colorado Springs after the dot-com bust and last recession in 2001.

Here we are again, only seven years later with national unemployment over 8 percent.

We have seen thousands of jobs leave Colorado Springs, with only a percentage being added.

The votejobsnow.com Web site recaps some key points about the initiative, including the creation of a new five-person committee to "make recommendations to City Council pertaining to the expenditure and use of such revenue." The funding will not be controlled by the Economic Development Corp. I'm wondering what are the required qualifications of the appointed members and where the proposed new committee fits in with the EDC. Will the EDC be a recipient of the funds even though it doesn't have control of the funds?

The Web site also discusses how the funds "may" be used, identifying seven categories.

However, there is no detailed explanation of these categories and many appear to be duplicates of initiatives by other community organizations.

Here are some questions: What is the selection process for receiving these funds; Isn't one of our other city or community organizations already responsible for these, and just what do these entail?

Having worked directly in the Colorado Springs small business community for several years, I have understood that other communities have had more resources and financial incentives to attract businesses away from Colorado Springs. I have seen a lot of quality jobs disappear, and I would love to see them return two-fold. However, before they get my vote, it would be helpful if the founders of Issue 1A could provide some clarification.

Donna Lovelace-Flora, Colorado Springs

Pooling our money helps area

It's time for the citizens of Colorado Springs to make an investment in their community.

We have the opportunity to pass measures that will help keep our area the great place it is to live and work. All you have to do is think about the issues from a long-term perspective about the future of our community. It's difficult to reason why you wouldn't want to vote yes on all measures.

However, I'm asking today to encourage others to support JOBS Now.

First of all, it is not a tax increase. You're already paying it, and now you have the opportunity to have it be used for retaining jobs already in the community and attracting new ones. This measure would allow the City Council with advice from a Citizen's Advisory Board, the opportunity to invest in job retention and creation.
Instead of getting a $10 tax decrease wouldn't it be a better plan to pool your resources with everyone in the community to help with economic vitality? Wouldn't it be better to have a great job paying you several thousands more per year than the $10? It's not an expense, it's an investment in yourself and your community.

Tony T. Rose, Colorado Springs

Proposal needs specifics

I just received my ballot for the April 7 election and was once again chagrined at the lack of substantive information about the issues.

This may be news to City Hall, but the voting public is pretty intelligent and City Hall should not presume that they know what is best for us in all cases. I do not pretend to forecast the results of the election, but general references to "infrastructure improvement" or "Jobs Now" will not do it for most of us. Maybe the truth is that City Hall really doesn‘t know either and just wants to have more money to spend for whatever reason.

Furthermore, we have observed from past experience that vaguely worded or poorly defined issues that somehow get approved result in expenditures which are frittered away on pet projects, with no good purpose or accountability. If additional funds are required, state the purpose clearly such as "we need to hire an additional 50 policemen or 30 firemen and acquire new equipment for public safety at a cost of $XX dollars/ year," "$XX million is needed for road overpasses at XX locations," $XX million needed for USOC bribe," or "$XX is needed for a new jail," etc. I can almost guarantee that with specific needs clearly identified, together with accountability and performance standards, the issue will pass.

Phil Rose, Colorado Springs

Plan to short-change voters

Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, wants to give Colorado's nine electoral votes to whomever wins the popular vote in the rest of the nation with his submission of HB 1299 ("Colorado revives attempts to shift electoral votes," The Gazette, March 10). Why bother holding an election in Colorado if that becomes law? That would be going over the heads of the citizens of Colorado, meaning our majority votes essentially wouldn't count.

The state is obligated to vote with the majority of its citizens, no matter what the outcome is. This is just a scheme by a Democrat to pull an election in his party's favor. As long as there is an Electoral College, each state is obligated to vote with the majority of its own citizens.

Susan Wilhoit, Colorado Springs

City election

Letters and commentary pertaining to the April 7 city election must be received at The Gazette by the close of business on April 1 to be considered for publication or posting online.