Ballot Cheatsheet: Part 1
Commissioner hopefuls sound off, and what's up with local ballot measures

With ballots in the mail and on their way to your hot little hands, it’s time for the Telegraph’s somewhat regular but in no way comprehensive election coverage. 

We are going to ease into the fracas this year, with local ballot issues and races. First up is a Q&A with the candidates in the District 3 La Plata County commissioners race, incumbent Matt Salka (D) and challenger Paul Black (R). 

Next, we’ll tackle the two local measures on this year’s monstrous ballot: 4A- School District 9-R’s $150 million bond and 1A - La Plata County’s Lodger’s Tax Reallocation. Please note, the county lodger’s tax question will only appear on ballots to county voters; city residents will not vote on it.

Matt Salka

? Matt Salka (Incumbent / Democrat)

Day job: La Plata County Commissioner, Chair

My superpower is: Bringing people together to solve complex problems, especially when it comes to issues like broadband access, housing and infrastructure.

When I’m not working, I am: Enjoying the outdoors, camping, boating and spending time with my family.

Most recent binge watch/listen: “Silo”

Favorite thing about La Plata County: The close-knit community and the incredible natural beauty that surrounds us.

Least favorite thing about La Plata County: The housing affordability crisis that makes it hard for working families to stay in the area.

Why are you running for county commissioner: I’m running for reelection because I’m passionate about making a real difference in the lives of the people of La Plata County. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to tackle the issues that matter most to our community – workforce housing, infrastructure improvements, childcare services and expanding broadband connectivity to rural areas. We’ve seen significant progress in creating new workforce housing units, and securing nearly $60 million for critical road improvements for expanding lanes from Elmore’s Corner to CR225A. Additionally, projects like the weather radar station, which provides accurate forecasts for our region, and the LPEA Sunnyside solar garden, which helps power local homes while offsetting energy costs. These are real, tangible wins for La Plata County, but there’s still more to be done.

Looking ahead, I want to continue focusing on addressing our childcare crisis and pushing for increased support for working families. I’m also committed to updating our land use codes to reflect the growth and changing needs of our community while protecting what makes our region special. My goal is to ensure that La Plata County remains a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable place for all its residents, from the families who have lived here for generations to the new ones just arriving.

With your support, we can continue to build a future that works for everyone in La Plata County.

Paul Black

? Paul Black (Republican)

Day job: Rancher

My superpower is: Listening and creative problem solving.

When I’m not working, I am: Enjoying the outdoors with my family.

Most recent binge watch/ listen: I don’t watch television during the summer, but in the winter I watch “Outdoor Boys” on YouTube with my kids.

Favorite thing about La Plata County: The beauty of our open space and access to outdoor activities for everyone. The community focus on shopping local and supporting small businesses.

Least favorite thing about La Plata County: Cost of living.

Why are you running for county commissioner: I’m running to make government work for the people by making life more affordable in La Plata County through: good-paying jobs, access to small business growth, decreasing fees for residents and process improvements to our land use code. My extensive small business and conservation experience will cultivate balance and creative budgeting tools to help decrease costs for all La Plata County residents.  

 ? Ballot Issue 4A- Durango School District 9-R Bond

The skinny: The measure asks voters to approve a $150 million bond issue for building upgrades and affordable housing for teachers. Namely, the money would be used to build a new elementary school at Three Springs and repurpose Florida Mesa for teacher housing or a central operation hub for school buses. In the latter scenario, this would open up the existing bus area on Highway 3 to pursue a “strategic partnership” to solve affordable staff housing.

In addition, the district would use funds for school maintenance such as: plumbing, roofing and safety/security; technology; new furniture; additions to the SOIL learning lab at Riverview Elementary School; and installation of LED lights and other energy efficient upgrades.

Why: We have TABOR and the wretched-sounding “Budget Stabilization” factor to thank for the shortfall in school budgets around the state. Without going too far into the weeds, these two onerous entities have conspired to create a $10B shortfall in funding for Colorado schools since 2010 – 9-R estimates it is due more than $60M. 

At the same time, the average age of school buildings in the district is 43 years, with a growing list of deferred maintenance, outdated furniture and classroom equipment, and inefficient buildings with high energy costs.

In addition, the district has had a hard time attracting and retaining teachers. The average rent cost in Durango is $2,500, yet teachers’ salaries start out at $52,000, meaning teachers potentially pay more than half of their annual earnings in rent.

The bond measure, which would be overseen by a committee, would not only better prepare students for the future but ensure a stable workforce.

Cost: Owners of a home valued at $500,000 would pay an extra $14 per month in taxes, or $168/year.

How we’re voting: Yes. With the state hamstrung by TABOR, it is up to local communities to step up and fill the gap in school infrastructure spending. $150M will go a long way to bring schools into the future and help with the teacher housing crunch.

? Ballot Issue 1A – Expansion of Use of County Lodger’s Tax (county voters only)

The skinny: Historically, Lodger’s Tax revenues have been used for tourism marketing and advertising. However, in 2022, the state Legislature passed a bill allowing counties to expand the use of these lodger’s tax funds, with voter approval. Under the law, up to 90% of lodger’s tax can be used for workforce housing and childcare.

The La Plata County measure would reallocate 70% of lodgers tax proceeds in the county (not the city), currently about $1 million a year mostly from vacation rentals, to housing and childcare.

Why: Many service- and tourism-related businesses in the area face increasing challenges in finding workers due to a lack of affordable housing and childcare. La Plata County has about 2,200 children under the age of 5 but only about half the number of spots in licensed childcare centers. For infants, the numbers are even worse, with an estimated 500 infants and only 80 licensed infant slots.

Meanwhile, the median home price is around $800,000, but the average household income, according to the 2022 Census, is $82,000.

How we’re voting (well, if we could vote on it): Yes. It doesn’t make sense to promote tourism but not have any workers to run the tourist and services economy. This will help – and best of all, it’s paid by out-of-town visitors. ?