Stan Foxx, President
Dawn Smith, Executive Director
Robert Blackwell, Director
Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce
25997 Conifer Road, Second Floor
P.O. Box 127
Conifer, CO 80433
Dear Mr. Foxx, Ms. Smith and Mr. Blackwell:
We, the undersigned residents of Conifer and surrounding areas would like to thank you for hosting the Public Affairs Committee open meeting, on Tuesday, May 15th, to elicit the views of Citizens 4 Jeffco Schools and Jeffco Students First advocating for, and against a mill and bond effort to support Jeffco Public Schools.
The presentations of each group contrasted their respective positions and provided very clear insights to those attending, from which to further develop our opinions as to whether the Jeffco Board of Education should pursue and approve a mill and bond measure.
Following the presentations, we find that Citizens 4 Jeffco Schools’ fact-based and well supported arguments in favor of pursuing a mill and bond effort to be the far more compelling of the views presented and that there is a clear need to increase financial support for the district. In the fabric of communities across the country, there exists a deep and long standing relationship between strong, adequately funded schools and community businesses. Strong Jeffco Schools have a synergistic economic effect that supports our real estate values, strengthens our local businesses, spurs on-going growth in all areas of the community and increases the prosperity of all those who live and work here.
Accordingly, we strongly recommend that the Chamber formally endorse the mill and bond effort, since the Jeffco Board of Education voted to place it on the November ballot during its June 7th meeting. We understand that it is the Chamber’s historical practice to remain neutral on such issues. However, in this instance, the Chamber’s formal endorsement of a mill and bond at this time would send a strong message back to the Conifer community that the Chamber members consider strong schools to be an integral part of a healthy community, and a healthy local economy.
Sincerely,
Your undersigned Conifer business patrons
