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Letter to the editor: Thankful for democracy that works

"In 2020, 3D passed by over 9%. Our Best Longmont’s efforts achieved a swing in public opinion of almost 20%."
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The general election this year was a mixed bag, but here in Longmont our local ballot measures met with unqualified success. We can be especially proud and encouraged by a local example of what democracy should be. Through the work of a few engaged residents, Longmont voters won a victory for truth, prudent government and the common good.

I’m referring to the local issue committee Our Best Longmont.

Last year, Longmont City Council requested the voters approve a charter amendment that would let the city lease out its own property for up to 30 years. The limit was then 20.  It was just housekeeping — updating the charter to match 21st-century lending practices. All the surrounding cities had made this change years ago. Boulder’s leasing limit is actually 40 years. But in 2019, the issue failed by almost 10%. It seemed the public didn’t understand the measure and imagined it was somehow for no good purpose.

This fall, in the time of the pandemic and the business stresses that have come with it, we needed this financial tool more than ever. So the city council referred the measure again. Understanding how important it was to get the word out about the benefits, the local issue committee Our Best Longmont, led by engaged residents Shakeel Dalal and Amy Lane, undertook to get the truth out about Ballot Question 3D. 

They created a network of supporters. They involved diverse public groups that could see the utility of this measure, including the performing arts community, the chamber of commerce, nonprofits concerned with serving Longmont’s homeless population and many others. They built a smart digital messaging campaign and raised money to send a postcard to every likely voter in Longmont, regardless of affiliation.

In 2020, 3D passed by over 9%. Our Best Longmont’s efforts achieved a swing in public opinion of almost 20%.

As I count my blessings this Thanksgiving, my favorite one is this small proof that democracy is still alive. I am thankful for Shakeel and Amy and all the thoughtful voters who gave our city one thing it needs to build our best Longmont.

Marcia Martin,
Longmont

Note: Martin is a Longmont City Councilmember but the opinions expressed here are her own.