I call Wheat Ridge “home” because my house is literally in Wheat Ridge and because it’s where I feel like part of a community. Grocery stores, coffee shops, trails, schools, restaurants, recreation, activities, and most importantly, social connectivity are all right here. I value the small town feel with the metro area amenities which is why this is the longest I’ve ever lived in one place.
A reality I’m facing right now is that my house and I are aging together. I bought the house in 2012 from the Bauer family who custom built their dream house in 1950. Most of the functionally obsolete, outdated, and unfashionable systems were updated right before I moved in. For the past 14 years, I’ve benefited from a new boiler, new sewer line, new driveway, new windows, and freshly painted walls. But the effects of time are showing (on me and the house). While the house still has good bones, my appliances are failing at the rate of one every 6 months. My floors need refinishing. My yard needs extensive attention. And so on.
My property anchors me in Wheat Ridge, it’s also my biggest financial investment. At some point, I will sell it and I will want to get a good market price so I’m making the improvements needed to maintain and improve my home’s value. That value is directly impacted by the value of my city. I’m privileged to be in this position but I’m not alone. Whether you own or rent, community experience and reputation matter. Good streets, nice parks, a sense of safety, sidewalks, and general upkeep matter for residents and businesses.
This fall, Wheat Ridge voters will have a chance to support a much needed generational investment in our home to keep its value. Voting Yes on 2A will increase the sales and use tax by 1%. Those funds — paid for by both residents and visitors — will be used to maintain our streets, build sidewalks and bike networks, save parkland from private development at Wilmore Davis and Kullerstrand school properties, replace the Anderson Outdoor pool, and build a modernized Police Safety and City Services building on Lutheran Legacy Campus. These projects have been prioritized by and for our community through 6 years of engagement and planning. I’m voting Yes on 2A because it allows the city to make the investments needed to keep it great and make it better. And because I know it’s what my neighbors care about most.
PS: This fall’s ballot is going to be rather long. Please don’t let political fatigue or scare tactics keep you from voting! I encourage you to talk with trusted friends and neighbors, read the blue book, and do your own research to be informed.
