Anyone else happy election season is nearly over? I am. Between the commercials and tense conversations I see family and friends having, November 5th cannot come soon enough.
That said, I do have to plug a few issues we have here in Kirtland. Two of these issues only affect residents of Ward 1, as they have to do with Sunday alcohol sales at two of our anchor establishments.
Issue 3 asks if Sunday sales of wine and mixed beverages shall be allowed at Mike’s Market. As most of us know, Mike’s is a tremendous asset to our city and participates and donates to community organizations and events year-round. It is my great hope that residents of Ward 1 support Mike’s Market on election day.
In the case of issue 4, The Well Bar and Grill, in the Kirtlander plaza is seeking to expand its Sunday sales to include wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor. Like Mike’s and so many of our Kirtland businesses, The Well continuously supports community activities, fundraisers and events. It is my hope that Kirtland’s Ward 1 voters choose to vote yes on issue 4 on Tuesday.
And finally, Issue 2. The proposed amendment to Kirtland’s Charter seeks to establish a twenty-year road funding mechanism, and guarantees in its language that, if passed, newly raised proceeds can only be used for road projects. For as long as I can remember, Kirtland has asked how exactly it should fund a long-term road program. And after much discernment, the City Council unanimously voted to put the measure on the November ballot as these elected leaders recognize the importance of a dedicated funding source to fix and maintain our city roads.
The amendment has no impact on property taxes and if passed will collect an additional one quarter of one percent on wages earned but won’t affect retirement income. As an example, an individual or family making $100,000 annually would contribute a new $250 to support a city-wide road program.
In closing it is my humble request that our voters choose to vote yes on issue 2 and finally put the road funding question behind us.
Thank you,