June 25, 2012 06:07 PM UTC

West Chamber Endorses 3A and 3B

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• by: Colorado Pols

Although conventional wisdom indicates that voters would be loathe to support a tax increase measure as the economy lurches out of a recession, the Jefferson County School Board’s bond and mill levy campaign scored a major endorsement this week from Jeffco’s preeminent business group.

From The West Chamber Serving Jefferson County:

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – June 21, 2012 – The Board of Directors for West Chamber Serving Jefferson County on Wednesday unanimously voted to support Issues 3A and 3B supporting Jeffco Public Schools in the upcoming November 6, 2011 election. The two ballot measures, if passed, will supply much needed

funding for Jeffco Public Schools including monies needed for critical operational, maintenance and repair needs while maintaining the economic vitality of Jefferson County.

“Our school system is a primary tool in economic development and is vital to the overall growth and development of businesses in our county,” said Jim Curtis, Chairman of the Board. “Jeffco Public Schools has demonstrated good financial stewardship and we are confident that with the passing of these ballot measures, not only will Jeffco Schools be able to maintain its excellence in educating our future workforce, but we as a community will be able to attract and retain businesses and employers necessary to the success of Jefferson County.”

“In a downward economy where financial pressures are felt on families and businesses large and small, residents and entrepreneurs alike may, understandably, struggle to see the tremendous value these ballot initiatives can bring to our community,” said Brian Willms, President and CEO of the West Chamber Serving Jefferson County. “As the leading advocate for businesses and entrepreneurs in Jefferson County, we thoroughly reviewed the pros and cons of the two initiatives and believe, if they’re passed, the end result will be a win for all parties involved: students, teachers, business owners, homeowners, and community members.”

The West Chamber goes on to cite several of the positive effects of strong public schools on local business, including a better-educated workforce, increased property values, and the ability to attract and retain business.

The prospects still aren’t great for the education ballot measures — which failed even in 2008’s Democratic wave year — but they’ve certainly improved with the Chamber’s blessing. No tax increase in this climate can passed without the backing of small business, after all, and the West Chamber’s support lends pro-business talking points that will resonate with middle of the road voters, especially those without kids in public school, across the county.  

It also demolishes the opposition’s talking points: when business champions a tax increase as good for economic development in an election year where the economy is the only issue that matters, the “kills jobs” platitude quickly deflates.