On the whole, things are going quite well in Fort Collins. The quality of life of our area is the envy of many other communities, and the unemployment rate is relatively low.

In light of growing competition for our community’s jobs, the question is “How do we keep things going our way?” Most of that answer lies with the great businesses and private sector innovators in Fort Collins Unfortunately, the disincentives to operate a business are growing. It’s more important than ever to have people on the City Council that understand and appreciate business and are willing to work on creating a strong and positive business climate.

The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce has made it a priority to support the election of City Council Members who support business and job creation. For the April 7, 2015 City of Fort Collins Election, the Chamber endorses the following candidates for the City Council:

• Mayor, Wade Troxell (http://www.voteforwade.org/)

• District 2, Ray Martinez (http://rayforcouncil.com/)

• District 4, Eric Kronwall (http://voteforerickronwall.com/)

• District 6, Gerry Horak (http://gerryhorak.com/wp/)

As well, the Chamber is recommending the following positions on two of the ballot issues being presented to voters:

• Vote YES: City-Initiated Question “Extending the Expiring Twenty-five Hundredths Percent (0.25%) “Building on Basics” Capital Projects Sales and Use Tax for a Period of Ten Years for the Purpose of Obtaining Revenue for the “Community Capital Improvement Program” Capital Projects and Related Operation and Maintenance”
  

• Vote YES: City-Initiated Question “Extending the Expiring Quarter-cent Sales and Use Tax Used to Fund the City’s Street Maintenance Program”

Both taxes are extensions of current taxes, resulting in no increase in our current tax rate, and provide important funding for key community investments. The Chamber is supporting the Street Maintenance Program Sales Extension because long term transportation capital funding remains a priority for the continued viability of the City of Fort Collins. The Chamber is also supporting the Community Capital Improvement Program which includes key investments in transportations service, cultural, library and recreation efforts as well as affordable housing.

A Call to Action for Our Members

Your direct involvement is important to the election of these quality candidates. Members are encouraged to support these candidates with their time, money and votes. Don’t stop there. Encourage your co-workers and neighbors to support these great candidates.

To support these candidates, visit their Websites to see how you can help their campaigns and send your checks to:

Vote Wade Troxell Mayoral Committee
812 Rochelle Circle
Fort Collins, CO 80526
http://www.voteforwade.org/
(maximum contribution of $100 per person or entity)

Ray for Council
4121 Stoneridge Court
Fort Collins, CO 80525
http://rayforcouncil.com/
(maximum contribution of $75 per person or entity)

Vote for Eric Kronwall Committee
901 Canosa Court
Fort Collins, CO 80526
voteforerickronwall.com
(maximum contribution of $75 per person or entity)

Citizens for Gerry Horak
123 North Mack Street
Fort Collins, CO 80521
http://gerryhorak.com/wp/
(maximum contribution of $75 per person or entity)

Other Resources

Copies of the interviews conducted with all the candidates that chose to interview are available HERE.

As well, questionnaires completed by the candidates are available HERE.

April 7, 2014 (Tuesday) ELECTION DAY

All ballots must be returned to City Clerk by 7:00 p.m.

This is a mail ballot election — there are no polling places. To facilitate timely delivery of your ballot if returned by mail, please deposit in the mail no later than Friday, April 3.

Mail your ballot to City Clerk (envelope provided)

NOTE: The City of Fort Collins is prohibited by law from providing return postage.

Or ballots may be deposited in a ballot box at the following locations:

• The on-site polling place at the City Clerk’s Office will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays) beginning March 23. On Election Day, the on-site polling place will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m

Ballots must be returned to the City Clerk’s Office no later than 7 pm on Election Day and must contain the voter’s signature in order to be counted.

Resources

City of Fort Collins
http://www.fcgov.com

City of Fort Collins Election Information
http://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/elections2015apr.php

The Fort Collins Coloradoan
http://www.coloradoan.com

Please note: The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to provide education, information and analysis of local issues and candidates specifically for its members. The opinions expressed in this website are meant to give Chamber members a perspective that advocates for the business community and the city’s overall quality of life, and to give members insight into the potential impacts of local issues and candidates.