First, I would like to thank the residents of Ken Caryl for electing me to the master association board of directors. I look forward to working on behalf of the entire community. These thoughts are my own, and do not necessarily reflect those of the master association board of directors.

As a member of the KCRMA board, I voted to support A (increasing the mill levy for KCRMD by 2.5 mills) and B (exempting KCRMD from TABOR restrictions). Let me tell you why.

After sitting through many MA & MD meetings, I've come to the conclusion that there's just no more fat to cut and that the only reasonable solution is to enact a mill levy increase.

I must say that I normally am a proponent of TABOR. I think it's usually a good idea to require government to ask voters for an increase in revenue. After learning more about the KCRMD budget and spending, I've come to the conclusion that KCRMD tax revenues can be better managed by concerned, informed, local involvement. Local revenues are all spent in this community on behalf of the residents. We have a great deal of control over the budget as residents- we can sit on its finance committee, we can attend board meetings and voice our opinion, and we can elect people who agree with our fiscal conservatism. The KCRMD can reduce the mill levy without going back for a vote from residents, and many on the board have committed that they will do that if revenues go up a great deal. I believe that there is transparency and oversight over the MD's budget.

However, given the state of the economy, I don't believe that property values are going to increase dramatically for the next few years- which mean that revenues also will not increase dramatically. I also believe that we will need the increased revenues as a result of A & B even more to enhance our existing amenities and maintain our property values.

Please become informed and consider your vote carefully.

Ryan Rhinehart
Ken-Caryl