Broadband, taxes and term limits: A look at Larimer County's November ballot
Commercial breaks during Broncos games this fall may not have as many smiling politicians — or dour, depending on the ad's tenor — but that doesn't mean an election isn't right around the corner.
Voters in Larimer County, Fort Collins and its school districts will have a slew of choices to make this fall. Here's a quick breakdown:
Fort Collins
Fort Collins voters will have a say in two areas: Should the city take concrete steps toward establishing a city-run (or city-sponsored) broadband, and should the city need to ask its voters every time it wants to update marijuana laws to comply with the state's?
Broadband: Voters will decide on amending the city charter to offer telecommunication/broadband services as a utility. The city of Fort Collins would issue debt of up to $150 million to help build out broadband infrastructure throughout the city. Passage is not a guarantee that the city will move forward, and many details would be decided after the voters' OK. The city argues the question would give City Council additional information about the voters' will as it explores municipal broadband or private partnerships.
More:Fort Collins broadband issue clears legal hurdle
Marijuana: The city is asking voters to allow City Council to adopt amendments and additions to city code regarding medical marijuana businesses without going to voters first. The city argues this would allow leaders to keep up with changes to state rules pertaining to medical marijuana businesses.
Larimer County
Voters throughout Larimer County, including the municipalities within, will decide on term limits for certain county officials and if a sales tax to support operations at The Ranch, the Larimer County fairgrounds complex, should continue.
Term limits: The Larimer County commissioners initiated a ballot question to remove term limits for the elected positions of sheriff, clerk and recorder, assessor, surveyor and treasurer. The commissioners argue those roles are more technical and expertise-driven, and less about politics and policy, and competent officials shouldn't be artificially limited from continuing in the job. If voters don't like the job those officials are doing, they can always be voted out, they argue.
More:Larimer County voters to decide on county tax, term limits in November
The Ranch sales tax: Almost two decades ago, Larimer County voters approved a 0.15 percent sales tax — the equivalent of 15 cents on $100 worth of taxable goods — to support the Larimer County fairgrounds known as The Ranch. Proponents argue continuing the tax will help keep The Ranch viable and help pay for to-be-determined upgrades, improvements and additions.
School districts
Thompson School District Board of Education
Four candidates are in the mix for three seats:
District B: Paul Bankes
District E: Lori Hvizda Ward
District F: Barbara Kruse and Lynn Greer
Poudre School District Board of Education
Four candidates are running for three seats:
District C: Kristen Draper and John Clarke
District D: Christophe Febvre
District E: Carolyn Reed
Loveland city elections
Here is the lineup for the four seats up for grabs:
Mayor: John Fogle, Jacki Marsh and Larry Heckel
Ward 1: Jeremy Jersvig, Lenard Larkin
Ward 2: Kathi Wright, Gail Snyder and Gary Lindquist
Ward 3: Steve Olson, John Ryan Keil
Ward 4: Dave Clark
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