Dear Editor: I spent some time last month at the fabulous Ridgway Rendezvous Art and Craft Festival. I must congratulate the organizers, Weehawken Creative Arts and their executive director, Ashley King and all the curators for the quality of work on display. Absolutely the best yet!

However, my experience was sullied by the uninvited presence of petition signature gatherers pestering me at every turn. Their goal was to get a ballot initiative on the November 2024 ballot to cap property tax increases to 4% annually. While I don’t object to signature gathering, (It’s the American way!), the level of misinformation and lack of knowledge regarding the property tax process was a red flag.

Among their fraudulent claims were that schools receive only 1% of your property taxes when, in fact, a quick check of the County Assessor’s Abstract reveals that Ouray County schools receive nearly 50% of your property taxes! Come on, if you’re going to disregard the facts, make it believable! I asked the folks manning the signature table if their proposal would also cap population growth, cost of goods and services to our essential service providers, student enrollment, etc. Finally, I asked the gentleman what happens if he had a serious medical emergency and the only ambulance is already on a call. There was no reply. I also suggested they drive back to Denver on Interstate 70 to fully experience the rotting interstate.

Colorado has the third-lowest property taxes in the country, according to Rocket Mortgage. As a direct result, we are 37th in teacher pay, and we have arguably the worst roads in the country. It’s not a coincidence.

Please do not sign this poorly worded, thinly veiled attempt to further degrade our schools, roads and essential services.

Thank you.

Tom Heffernan Ridgway