Despite a crowded field for the open seat on the Boulder City Council, candidates tend to agree that open space, thoughtful city planning, and good transportation are all important to our city. But where is the debate about Boulder's increasing lack of community?
Most candidates strongly support a convention center. BIG DEAL. A bunch of rich businesspeople spending money in the city would increase our sales tax revenue, but it will not improve the city beyond that. A new hotel or another upscale shopping mall also has nothing to do with the 'heart and soul' of Boulder.
Although many citizens agree that Boulder needs more tax revenue, the City Council should also make sure that something real is left of Boulder before it is all sold or redeveloped. What happened to the civic use component of the St. Julian development? Why do economic vitality initiatives exclude developing the arts community? Is there any evidence of a commitment to affordable housing? Why does the City Council condone police brutality? Our city council claims to care about these issues, but actions speak louder than words.
Though the city has done many things that I am proud of, I am disturbed by the blinding focus on economic development. Sales tax revenues will go up eventually. If Boulder continues to lose its character, we may never recover.
-Matt Plummer