October 14, 2018

October 14, 2018

YES on 6E
YES on 3F
YES on 73 and 5A and 5B
YES on 112

Hoping this message finds my friends, family and neighbors doing well. I am hoping to turn this column around quickly as the November election nears. Our district staff is working hard to pass amendment 6E, which would stabilize our revenue and ensure our services stay at peak level. Special districts across the State are working to resolve this issue. The steady increase in residential property values has decreased our funding levels by millions of dollars and if this continues this trend could seriously impact public safety. Arvada Fire Protection District is impacted hard because most of our revenue comes from residential property taxes. It is important to note that Special Districts are not part of the City and are funded separately. If you live within the boundaries of our district please consider a YES vote.

There are a few other ballots measures I want to endorse. Support the kids in Jefferson County and consider a YES vote on amendment 73 and 5A and 5B. We need to fund our schools at adequate levels consistent with the national average. Too many older schools needs extensive repairs and upgrades. Fundraising and student fees are relied on too heavily, achievement gaps are too low, comparable pay levels are needed, security and mental health services need to be increased. Please look at education as a necessary investment in our community. I have been working school security for several years now and it has been invaluable experience for me.

I also support 3F, Safe Streets Arvada. The board of directors with Arvada Fire endorsed this measure because of the direct impact road improvements will have on transportation and the ability for our agency to respond to emergency calls as quickly as possible. This is only measure our board endorsed because it has direct impact on maintaining solid response times.

In my opinion our board was too cautious in staying neutral on the school funding measures, but as an individual I consider adequate school funding a public safety concern. We need to expand security to middle schools, increase the training budget and improve security equipment such as surveillance cameras and locking mechanisms. I encourage you to read the report from the Jeffco Safety and Security Task Force which has been widely published including in the current edition of the Arvada Press.

Yes on 112! Another Statewide ballot measure that seeks reasonable limitations on Fracking by requiring a 2,500 buffer zone from homes and schools. This proposition is fair and balanced in protecting health and safety. The web sites below go into a lot more details about these ballot measures.

Lastly, I want to speak out in favor of the dispatchers at Jeffcom 911, the Jefferson County Community who have to be recognized and represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

I believe labor unions increase transparency and the democratic principles of checks and balances in the workplace. This is first and foremost about freedom of association. Do not be fooled by political rhetoric that defines this matter as something other than a political power play to keep employment rights in check. The Jeffcom board should recognize the dispatchers. I will continue to support their efforts.

I want to say Thank you again for allowing me the privilege of serving as a Director with the Arvada Fire Protection District. Public safety and government service have been an important part of my life and this agency.

See the below websites for detailed information.

https://yeson6E.com
www.supportjeffcokids.org
www.safestreetsarvada.org
www.corising.org
www.jeffcom911.org
www.afscmecolorado.org
www.arvadansforprogressiveaction.org

Sincerely,
Tim Allport
Director and Secretary, Arvada Fire Protection District