Measure 1A

Editor:

I have been a resident of Montrose County for nearly 40 years.  My family has vacationed frequently in Gunnison County since the 1970’s.  We appreciate and value the unique beauty of your county and are happy to contribute to its future.  I understand Gunnison County voters will be voting on Measure 1A, a dedicated funding source for roads and bridges. Please let me share my experience with a similar issue in Montrose.

Like Gunnison County, Montrose experience significant growth and had a huge backlog of road maintenance in the early 2000’s.  Visitors to Gunnison County pay for approximately half of the sales taxes collected in the county.  Visitors to Montrose pay about one-third of the sales taxes.  In 2008 (another terrible year), the voters in Montrose County approved a sales tax increase that was dedicated solely for roads and bridges.

Less than 20 years later, the backlog of road construction projects has been significantly reduced and the county is able to fund emergency repairs as needed.  The ongoing maintenance keeps the roads in good condition, especially roads with low traffic flows that never saw repair equipment. 

We are lucky in Colorado to be able to define our priorities by choosing which taxes we assess ourselves.  We fund many efforts we value and we hope we never have to use, like fire protection.  But roads?  Well maintained roads are a benefit that we can appreciate quickly and every single day. 

Do your future self a big favor and vote YES for 1A.  And the best part is that people like me who visit Gunnison County for a few days or weeks per year will match your investment in your roads. 

Emily Schneider

Montrose