Dear Editor:

When Centennial voters go to the polls, they will consider a host of statewide ballot issues and one very important local one-Referendum 2A. The City of Centennial is asking voters to approve Referendum 2A in order to fund public safety services, street repair and open space improvements without raising our taxes. By supporting this measure, voters will allow the City to address essential needs affecting the life, safety and health of all Centennial residents.

Maintaining city assets and effective public safety are critical to protecting our property values and promoting economic development in Centennial. Our community currently faces a serious public works budget shortfall, which forces the City to defer essential street maintenance. Without needed maintenance, our streets will suffer long-term deterioration and require more expensive repairs in the future.

In spite of these needs, TABOR regulations will require Centennial to distribute small rebates of less than $1.00 to residents. While this refund won't make an impact for the budgets of individual recipients, the total expense of the refund will make it more difficult for the City to address critical public needs. Over the next few years, a cycle of small refunds will be repeated, giving Centennial no chance to catch up with critical maintenance needs.

Issue 2A is the best solution to Centennial's budget problems. It will allow Centennial to keep our City safe, maintain our streets and improve our open space without raising our taxes. Centennial voters will still have the final say on any tax increase. Let's take care of the community we have created. Vote Yes on Issue 2A.

Bart Miller
Mayor Pro Tem
Centennial City Council
Ward II