Read the essay, then see what Dave has to say about taxes.
VIDEO: Dave Chandler speaks about taxes in Arvada's future.
We change and accept the realities of the new American economy -- or existing businesses may be swept away.
Arvada -- as a middle class component of the Denver metro area economy -- may be more affected by state and national trends than richer or poorer communities.
Four news reports in just the past few days highlight the uncertain future we face.
First the report 'From city to city, Colorado's economic recovery hit and miss' by Aldo Svaldi in the Wednesday, September 14, 2011 edition of the Denver Post.
Then 'Denver area's jobs recovery at risk from limited industries' by Howard Pankratz in the Denver Post of Saturday, September 10, 2011.
The recession lingers in our state as this news indicates: 'Colorado loses 1,800 nonfarm jobs in August', September 17, 2011, in the Denver Post.
Finally there is this alarming article from Tuesday, September 13: 'As America’s Middle Class Shrinks, P&G Adopts “Hourglass” Strategy' by Aaron Task at Yahoo! Finance's Daily Ticker.
These reports are signposts of the great challenges we face now and in the future.
It is going to take innovative and "outside of the box" thinking and planning to ensure that Arvada has an economic future that is prosperous.
Perhaps the reality that looms largest is that the price of oil/gasoline is going to impact almost everything we do -- especially in a suburban community like Arvada.
Since I am a fierce advocate for the American middle class, we are going to have to acknowledge that 'business as usual' may very well not be what will work for us in an era of four, five or six dollar a gallon gasoline.
At the same time, I think it is essential to retain the unique character of Arvada that has emerged over the decades -- a city of quiet, residential streets, a great place to live as a family, a single or couple with relatively easy access to amenities here and in Denver. We should retain our unique Arvada character while encouraging and promoting an economic base that satisfies our middle class aspirations.
With that premise in mind, Arvada is in a unique position to take advantage of what may be a new economy based upon 'value' and 'quality' and less and less upon 'disposability' and 'quantity'.
With high transportation fuel costs, commuting may become (by necessity) less of an imperative for many, and the necessity to make a living close to home even more important.
Therefore, for our residents, in addition to occupations that require a college education, a healthy community economic climate may rely more heavily on trades and crafts, on home-based technical businesses, on cottage industry, on recycling and repurposing enterprises.
These economic activities may very well be the ones describing a thriving local economy in the future: conservation, service, trade, barter, recycling, local manufacturing, crafts, community agriculture, reconditioning and repurposing.
Yet the current city council is not ready, nor is it preparing for a new Arvada economy. For instance the council's recent moratorium on new thrift stores posts a big "not open for business" sign over our municipality. Generally speaking this city council has shown a surprising anti-business attitude ... ever wonder why there aren't any general dealerships in Arvada where you could purchase a hybrid car, an electric car, or any kind of car or truck? Or wonder why you cannot buy a used iPod at a pawnshop in our town?
Even more remarkable is this council's (and my primary mayoral opponent's) obsession with pushing a old fashioned, gasoline greedy tollway west of the city -- for the sole purpose of promoting the building of an commuter town on the southern boundary of Rocky Flats. This tollway and exurban boondoggle is the furthest thing away from acknowledging 21st century economic innovations ... and it has corporate welfare and government bailout written all over it.
It is time for a change. Since I have not been in office for years and years and years, I am not tainted by the arrogance of government "experience". I can bring new ideas, new vision and new leadership to our community, the kind of fresh approach that will help build a new Arvada economy for the benefit of all of residents.
VIDEO: Dave Chandler speaks about taxes in Arvada's future.
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