Castle Pines North at Important Crossroads (Again)

The City of Castle Pines North will face several key hurdles in the coming weeks. The newly incorporated city has been scrambling to fill a $2 million revenue shortfall. On July 21, City officials suddenly found that anticipated revenues would not be available to the City from the existing mill levy assessed by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District. Those revenues had been previously pledged to lending institutions by the District in order to secure water storage in the Reuter-Hess Reservoir.

According to CPN Metro District manager, Jim McGrady, transferring the District's mill levy to the City would leave the District too constrained for bonding capacity.

Since then, the City has been discussing alternative financing plans with the District's financial manager and board members. Under consideration is a proposal to have the CPNMD reduce the mill levy currently used by the District to pay down debt. The City would then assess a similar tax to fund it's own operations. This approach would appease City officials who were elected on a "no new taxes" platform. However, it would postpone the defeasance of Metro District bonds. These bonds were scheduled to be retired beginning in 2013, resulting in a lower tax rate to the citizens of CPN. The tax would be picked up by the City and assessed "in perpetuity" to fund City operations. Under this plan, lower taxes for CPN seem a remote possibility.

On July 29, City officials and consultants from CH2M Hill met with members of the CPN Metro District and the Hidden Pointe Metro District, both of which operate within the boundaries of the City. Board members from both Metro Districts questioned representatives from CH2M Hill and the City Treasurer, Doug Gilbert on the accuracy of figures presented in the feasibility study used to promote the incorporation effort. Many board members were skeptical of the consultant's answers, and some viewed the City's efforts to capture Metro District revenues as detrimental to the pursuit of renewable water.

CPNMD board members may soon vote on whether or not to reduce the District's mill levy to allow the City to move forward with it's own tax assessment. In any event, voters can expect to see one or more ballot questions proposed by the City to secure tax revenues to fund City operations. City officials will be faced with the prospect of floating another tax measure with little funds in the coffer to promote it.

Americans for Prosperity Launches Colorado Chapter

On June 24, the national free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity (AFP) launched its newest state chapter in Colorado. The organization stated that its first goal would be to educate and mobilize taxpayers in support of the removal of government-imposed barriers to energy development, an improvement that would help lower taxes for all citizens.

“From unnecessarily limiting the supply of energy, to proposed cap-and-trade carbon taxes and regulatory schemes, many state and federal government policies are threatening Coloradans’ quality of life,” said AFP President Tim Phillips. “Current and proposed energy policies amount to higher taxes, lost jobs and less freedom. The Colorado chapter of Americans for Prosperity is going to educate and mobilize taxpayers on this and other issues, and we’re going to make sure their voices are heard loud and clear in Denver, and in Washington.”

Visit the web site here: http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php?state=co

Drill Here. Drill Now. Pay Less.

Since May, over 1.3 million Americans have signed the “Drill Here. Drill Now. Pay Less.” petition at http://www.americansolutions.com/. According to information provided by Newt Gingrich, “175 members of Congress have pledged to increase U.S. oil production. Only one is a democrat.” Please sign the petition and read more about the goal of American energy independence.

Another excellent website where you can learn more about American energy resources is http://www.pickensplan.com/.

Senator Ken Salazar supported and voted for domestic off-shore drilling in 2006. In 2008, Senator Salazar opposes offshore drilling. Please contact the Senator at http://salazar.senate.gov/ and tell him that you support off-shore drilling and drilling at ANWR.

Castle Pines North to Host Candidate Forum

The City of Castle Pines North will host a Candidate Forum on Tuesday, July22, at 7 p.m. at the CPN Community Center, 7404 Yorkshire Drive. Participating in the forum are 6th Congressional District candidates, along with candidates for House District 45, Senate District 4, and County Commissioner District II. With some hotly contested races coming up in the primary, this should be a great event!

Bob Schaffer vs. Mark Udall Debate

On Monday, July 14, at 9:00 AM, please join your fellow Republicans in supporting Bob Schaffer at the first debate between U.S. Senate candidates Republican Bob Schaffer and Democrat Mark Udall. The location will be The Wildlife Experience in Parker, which is located just east of I-25 on Lincoln Avenue. Tickets must be reserved in advance by calling 720-377-1600 or emailing teamschaffer@bobschafferforsenate.com.