Yes On DIA, College, National Western
Councilman Supports All Ballot Measures
By Councilman Chris Herndon
Special to the GPHN
This November, Denver voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on three measures that focus on investing in Denver’s economic future: DIA, helping Denver kids access a college education, and the National Western Center. Here are my positions on all three.
Referendum 1A: Adams County IGA/Revenue Sharing
Denver International Airport is the largest economic engine in the region, injecting more than $26 billion into our economy and employing 35,000 people. By voting ‘Yes’ on measure 1A, the region will have an opportunity to build on that economic strength.
A ‘Yes’ vote on 1A allows new types of businesses to develop at the airport – that means more retail, more manufacturing, and more jobs coming to the airport. Voting ‘Yes’ on 1A will help DIA attract new companies and create an estimated 12,000 new jobs.
Referendum 2A: College Affordability
The College Matters proposal is about jobs and economic mobility.
With a sales tax increase of less than a penny on a $10 purchase, the College Matters program will support scholarships for Denver students and student loan debt relief. The program is also focused on helping students succeed with academic and financial aid counseling to ensure they stay on track.
We know that people with postsecondary educations have much greater job opportunities, earn higher wages, contribute more in taxes that support public services we all rely on, and are less dependent on costly programs like unemployment and housing assistance. The big-picture winner in the long run will be Denver’s 21st century economy. Plus, it’s the ultimate complement to Denver’s incredible investments in the Denver Preschool Program and our K-12 schools.
Referendum 2C: National Western Center and Colorado Convention Center
In 2014, 15.4 million visitors spent $4.6 billion in Denver. Visitor spending generates substantial revenue that our city invests in improving parks, roads and neighborhoods. Without tourism, the average family of four would pay $638 more in taxes to receive the same city services.
One of the taxes paid primarily by visitors to Denver will expire unless it is reauthorized by voters. Referendum 2C asks voters to keep a 1.75% tax on hotel rooms and rental cars in place and invest this revenue to improve our city.
2C will transform the National Western Stock Show’s century-old campus into a year-round venue for diverse events, keeping the stock show in Denver and bringing new visitors and new revenue.
It will also bring a new CSU facility to the National Western Center focused on next-generation agricultural research, water conservation and veterinary sciences. This center will bring valuable educational opportunities and economic development to Denver.
Most importantly, 2C will reinvest in the historic neighborhoods surrounding the National Western Center by cleaning up one mile of the South Platte River and opening access to 80 acres of parkland along the riverfront. The Globeville, Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods have dealt with a century of industrial impacts and pollution. 2C will help these communities thrive. We would be reinvesting in neighborhoods with an eye toward making sure Denver remains an academic and tourism destination.