Since the last newsletter, I have had the opportunity to participate in two events that have demonstrated just how special our community is.
1. A procession and ceremony was held for former Aurora Fire Medic Paul Cary. After serving for 30 years and retiring, Paul volunteered in NYC to help transport COVID-19 patients. Sadly, Paul died from COVID-19 after contracting it during his work. Mr. Cary was a special person in our community and this event was a fitting tribute for the sacrifice he made.
2. The Salvation Army, the City of Aurora and others hosted a food distribution event. In fact, it was the largest food distribution event in Colorado - we gave out 3000 boxes of food! I volunteered at the event and passed out $20 grocery gift cards generously donated by Safeway.
Our community has a lot of needs right now. My COVID-19 resource page at curtisforaurora.com/covid19 has a list of resources available. If you need help, reach out to one of the organizations on this list or shoot me an email and I can connect you with the help you need.
Here are a few items of note from our last few meetings:
April 20, Council Meeting
1. At Study Session, council received an update on Metro Districts in Aurora. In addition to a council presentation, the City also hosted a virtual informational meeting on Metro Districts which provided an opportunity for residents to ask questions. Since this has been a topic of interest lately, I wanted to share the resources the City has made available, including a recording of the informational meeting. Click Here for the City Metro District resource page.
2. A resolution was brought forward asking Congress to include undocumented residents that have filed taxes using an ITIN in future COVID-19 related economic impact payments. I voted against this resolution because City Council already has a mechanism in place to advocate for or against federal legislation. Rather than spend time on a resolution supporting legislation, we should utilize the existing process. The measure ultimately failed on a 5-5 vote.
3. We had first reading of an ordinance to increase the special sales tax on recreational marijuana sold in Aurora. The intent of this tax increase is to replace funds lost with the elimination of the photo red light program. Various programs were funded using those dollars, including our teen & wellness courts, some anti-gang initiatives and several agencies doing good work in our community with a nexus to law enforcement. I struggled with this ordinance because I do think these are worthwhile programs that need to be funded and I appreciate the sponsor trying to find a way to do that. Ultimately, I voted against the proposal. Bottom line, it's a tax increase on a group of residents (consumers of recreational marijuana) that is politically acceptable to some. Recreational marijuana is a legal business & product - I don't think users of recreational marijuana should have to pay more for a legal product because a prior Council didn't fund an alternate funding source for these worthwhile programs with the elimination of photo red light. Ultimately, the measure did pass 5-4.
May 4, 2020 Council Meeting
1. A resolution was brought forward condemning acts of discrimination against the Asian-American community in Aurora in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our community shouldn't tolerate discrimination in any form. Our political discourse has continued to be toxic, with terms like "civil war" and "nazi" used all too regularly. We all need to learn to treat others better. I voted in favor of this resolution and it passed 10-0.
2. We had an at length discussion on a potential call-up - the Murphy Creek East development application. The application had been previously administratively approved by the City planning director. The application and approval did not include any waivers from the Unified Development Ordinance. I voted against the call-up request because I think the development community needs certainty in their planning and the plan was approved in compliance with our code.
Our next Study Session and Council Meeting is scheduled for May 18. We have moved to a 100% virtual format for Council meetings so please tune in at www.auroratv.org to watch.
