What would you do with 45 million dollars?

The City of Arvada has (so far) sold more than $45 million in bonds for redevelopment of the Arvada City Center [1], the area roughly between Olde Town Arvada and I-70. For these 45 million dollars, what has Arvada received?

AURA is quick to point out that for only $45 million, the City has gained an increase in annual sales tax and property tax of more than $11,648,055. [2] While any business owner would be satisfied with such a return to their investment, the purpose of AURA is not to increase sales and property tax. The City of Arvada is not a private business: the objective of Arvada is not profit...but public service!

Is the Arvada City Council Serving the Public or Pillaging the Public's Trust?

It needs to be said again: the City of Arvada was not established as a for-profit organization. As a governmental entity, its chief objective is public service.

The City attempts to defend its attempts to raise taxes with excuses that taxes provide the funding for the services the public deserves and expects. This, however, demonstrates either poor reasoning and logic, or else is a pitiful attempt to disguise what would otherwise be seen as improper behavior.

In redeveloping Arvada City Center, AURA was charged with helping the "neglected and run down" residences and businesses, not running the citizens of Arvada out of their homes and shops. Arvada should remain affordable to Arvadans.

The Water Tower development area is typical. The City purchased 26 acres of affordable housing (250 housing units) and, after relocating only 75 of those families (and of those, only 40 were able to buy new homes) on a relocation stipend of $5250 (to be used as a down payment on a new home), developed the once-affordable neighborhood into 324 luxury apartments and 270 not-so affordable houses.

How does this help Arvada? Pillaging the very heart of Arvada, the City Council sold out the citizens and their homes.

The City of Arvada subsidized the building of "large format" stores to replace and out compete the local businesses. Did Costco, Sam's club, Home Depot, Lowes, Petsmart, Office Max, Bennigans or Applebees need subsidization? How did destroying the local businesses - owned and operated by Arvadans - achieve the interests of Arvada?

While it is true that AURA assisted some businesses (giving $383,675 to property owners in Olde Town to improve their facades), the City spent more on decorative lampposts and other "streetscaping" ($3,700,000) than they did on directly supporting the businesses that were already in Olde Town Arvada.

A Lesson from Trees

The City of Arvada treats its citizens like its trees. In Olde Town, the City ripped out the beautiful old trees in front of what is now the new Arvada Library to plant new ones. Why did they destroy the old to make way for the new? Because the new trees were not in the right place for the landscaping.

When the City of Council determines that the problem with Arvada is the citizens and their businesses and then proceeds to aggressively make war upon its citizens and their businesses, the City Council is doing a very bad job at serving their public.

Citizens should trust their government to help them-not to hurt them. A democracy that fears lapses into the worst of despotisms. Mayors and City Council Seats run unopposed not because those that are holding them are doing a particularly good job, but because the citizens, weighted by the burdens thrust upon them by the City Council that threaten the survival of their families and businesses, can no longer uphold the democracy that fails all around them.

A new way of thinking is required if Arvada is to thrive in the 21st Century (or beyond). The rights to property must be better respected: eminent domain is never the best solution.

This Can - And Will - Happen to You Unless You Take Action

Under Colorado law, your City can declare any area blighted - even your neighborhood - and use eminent domain to take your land for a pittance and give it to the developers to pillage, reselling it to people who can afford to pay more for your land than you. Stealing from the poor and giving to the rich does not serve the public.

AURA is quick to defend itself, saying that the revenues generated by such redevelopment fund other projects, that essential city services are provided for by the monies generated through targeted subsidization, and that the destruction of old business and homes for new ones benefits Arvada's businesses and residents as a whole. Do not be fooled: the City has other means of providing services that do not require the City to erode your right to property, the right to live where you want, the right to own and operate a business.

VOTE FOR CHOATE!

If elected to City Council, I will, within one year:

· Direct AURA to cease their war against the residents and businesses of Arvada, and redirect them towards serving the public. There is no need to build new homes or new businesses when old ones exist. There is no need to tear down a house when it can be fixed up.

o Financial independence for Arvadans is in the public's interest. AURA would provide low-interest loans to new businesses and new homeowners, and to old businesses and neighborhoods for the purpose of revitalization.

· Secure the rights of all citizens to hold property. No citizen should fear for their home or business. When the light rail comes to Arvada, it need not come at the expense of anyone's land. No one should lose their land so another person can take a train to Denver.

· Secure the rights of all citizens to participate and administer their Government, ensure 100% registered voter turnout at elections, and revitalize our democratic Republic in Arvada. This will have wide-spread positive impacts on the economic welfare of Arvadans, and the public health, safety and education in Arvada

o Require all businesses in Arvada to allow employees two days off per year: one on Election Day, and the other months before elections, in time to register petitions with the State, County and City. While polls are already kept open late to accommodate the working citizens, no provision is made to secure the rights of Arvadans to publicly debate with their fellow citizens, discuss issues and candidates and educate themselves on the important decision they will make. With many Arvadans working more than one job - sometimes two or three jobs - it has become necessary to set aside two days to ensure Arvadans can undertake their civic duties.

o Provide financial assistance to "independent" citizens (those who belong to no political party) to participate in City and other elections. This will improve Arvada's representation in County, State and National government.

o COSTS AND FUNDING: This will result in no economic hardship to employee or employer: the City has found more than $45 million to strip the citizens of their rights, the City can find enough to secure the rights of their citizens. Many potential solutions exist, but cutting unessential City services (such public golf courses) and reallocating the resources is one of the most practical. Additional revenue gained by no longer allowing special tax districts will also help. It is also reasonable to presume higher tax revenues from the economic development undertaken by AURA in helping new businesses and new homeowners.