This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Ron Gallegos has a new idea of an economic model based on tourism and based on our near location to Rocky Mountain National Park. He believes that Longmont can be more of a tourist destination rather than just a waypoint to the national park. The opportunity for this economic development is ready now. Tourism is good for business and tax revenue….everyone benefits from a stronger local economy. It means new restaurants, retail, and late night recreation opportunities. Conventions generate the need for food, travel, motel/hotel stays. A convention center will be a huge incentive to be in Longmont. Businesses that could develop around such a convention/performing arts center will be a huge boost to retail, commercial activity, and sales tax revenues. Taxes will be paid by tourists, out of towner’s (live-in-state) and convention goers.
Gallegos was on the council that built the recreation, museum, and senior centers and the purchase of Standstone ranch. With a background in telecommunications, he was was directly involved in creating our optical fiber network now known as NextLight. These achievements have had significant and positive impact for the people of Longmont.
If Ron is elected to council, we can expect his hard work will be put towards achieving new goals, and less attention to small and minor distractions. Ron gets his ideas and support and strength from people who live and work in Longmont. And what is known of Gallegos, special interests, partisan causes do not seem to sway him.
I ask you to join me in voting for Ron Gallegos for Longmont City Council.
Sincerely,
Todd
