Lost in the glamor of state and national politics, more than 140 municipalities from around Colorado will hold elections Tuesday that focus on an array of ballot measures.
According to the nonpartisan Colorado Municipal League , the measures span from bans on the sale of medical marijuana and plastic grocery bags, to tax increases for street and storm water and drainage improvements.
“It’s typical that the majority of the state’s small towns hold elections the first Tuesday in April during even-numbered years,” said Lisa White , membership services manager at the Colorado Municipal League.
A total of 11 municipalities are proposing new taxes, tax increases or tax extensions.
In the town of Fleming — located in the state’s northeast corner — a 2 percent sales tax for general town operations is being proposed. The town currently has no sales tax.
“I don’t think many people will oppose it,” said Mayor Pro Tem Larry Schaefer .
With the idea of tax increases a contentious topic in political discourse on the state and federal levels, similar sentiments are shared in rural towns.
“Taxes do concern folks,” said Schaefer. “But it’s not like we’re some big city. People here are going to see direct results.”
White said data recorded by the Municipal League reveals that since 1992, Colorado voters have approved tax increase, or tax extension questions, 55 percent of the time.
Crawford , Fruita , Lyons and Pierce will vote on whether to ban the sale of medical marijuana — something voters in 37 towns throughout the state have already done.
Basalt and Carbondale might be similar to San Francisco or Portland, Ore. if it places a ban on plastic bags.
Kurtis Lee: 303-954-1655 , klee@denverpost.com or
