craigdailypress.com

Campaign leaders promoting two tax-based ballot questions report that they're receiving a largely positive reception from voters during public presentations.

Gene Bilodeau, dean of Colorado Northwestern Com-

munity College's Craig campus, who's made numerous public appearances in recent weeks to garner support for the school's 3-mill levy renewal proposal, said the public has been receptive to the school's financing plan.

"By and large what we're hearing is, 'We're in favor of this as a group, or as individuals,'" Bilodeau said.

Craig Rural Fire Protection District has a similar campaign strategy of securing endorsements from groups. And, like the college, the department has also received strong support from voters, Fire Chief Chris Nichols said.

"We're cautiously optimistic," Nichols said of the district's chances in November. "So far, it's been positive, but you just never know on tax measures."

The college is asking voters to renew a 3-mill levy that raises about $1.3 million, or one-third of the CNCC Craig campus' total budget. The proposal, an extension of a voter-approved 10-year mill levy in 1999, asks for the authority to keep the funding alive indefinitely.

The college has secured letters of support from The Memorial Hospital board of trustees, Craig City Council, Craig Chamber of Commerce, Moffat County School District board, Boys & Girls Club of Craig, and Craig/Moffat County Economic Development Partnership. And, while not endorsing the plan as a group, each of the three Moffat County Commissioners have also said they support the measure.

Bilodeau said the campaign strategy for the last month entails trying to "notch it up a little more each week." He said the college will soon put out yard signs encouraging voters to approve the plan, continue speaking with groups and individual voters and put out a media campaign that includes radio and newspaper advertising.

The fire district's proposal asks voters to approve a 1.5 mill levy increase, which would pay for operating expenses.

The fire district has received support from Commissioners Saed Tayyara and Darryl Steele and Craig City Council. They have also been before 18 local groups, which have given the department positive feedback regarding the proposed mill increase.

Fire department officials said they will continue to present the mill proposal to groups and individuals in coming weeks.

With one month to go until Election Day, Nichols said the district will begin a more informational campaign, designed to highlight specific needs and numbers involving the mill levy.

He said the district's campaign, with one month to go, will attempt to "broaden the outreach."