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1A all the way

Dear Editor:The ballots are in the mail and will be arriving in our mailboxes in the days ahead. The big issue for Pitkin County voters is measure 1A, the Healthy Communitiy Fund. I am urging your yes vote. This fund provides support, in part, for 61 local community service organizations, from Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club to Alpine Legal Aid, to cancer support services, school health programs and more. Yes, a total of 61 nonprofit health and community service organizations receive partial funding from this source. The Healthy Community Fund provides an average of just 5 percent of each organization’s total funding needs. Moneys granted go through an extensive oversight procedure, so we know the money is wisely spent.The people who are served by these organizations are our friends, our neighbors, our co-workers and our employees. As a local employer here in Aspen, I know that organizations funded in part by Healthy Community have assisted members of my staff and their families, and they continue to do so. These groups do important work, benefiting people we all know.Most of the money raised through ballot measure 1A is a renewal of the existing tax. A small increase is included in the proposal because needs are greater now than ever before. A $1 million residential property will pay about $42 to renew the tax, the same amount as before; and $13 to increase funds available. The total is just $55 for the year, for that $1 million property. Our property owners can afford it.Pitkin County voters are people who care about those around them, and the services that they need. We have a track record of caring and approving Healthy Community funding requests. Let’s do it again by voting yes for 1A. Your ballot is in the mail!Warren KlugAspen