Elections matter. Whether local, state, or federal, the leaders we choose and the issues we vote on shape our community's future. That's why Citizens Project is proud once again to provide information that voters can't get anywhere else in our 2009 April Municipal Election Voter Guide.

It's hard to believe, but with the help of community collaborators, organizations, and hundreds of supporters and readers like you, Citizens Project has published and distributed our Voter Guides in the Pikes Peak region for 16 years!

At Citizens Project, we believe that voters want to know where candidates stand on critical questions facing our community, our state, and our world. We also keep you informed by providing nonpartisan information about the ballot measures. We hope you'll use the guide to form your decisions.

The Colorado Springs April municipal election is a mail ballot election. This means that:

• If you are an ACTIVE VOTER, you will automatically receive a ballot in the mail after March 13.

• An active voter is someone who:   
  

• Voted in the November, 2008 General Election; or     
• Registered to vote or updated your registration after the November, 2008 election but prior to the April 7, 2009 Municipal Election registration deadline of March 9, 2009.
  

• Ballots must be received in the City Clerk's Office no later than 7:00 p.m., April 7, 2009. Remember to allow enough time for your ballot to be received by the deadline if you choose to mail the ballot.

• Be sure to SIGN AND DATE the back of the return envelope and affix first class postage.

• If you are a first time voter who registered by mail, you must submit identification with your ballot in order for your vote to count.

• If you are an active registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the City Clerk's Office at (719) 385-5901.

• Find out more about the election at the city's website.

• Read the city's factual summary and arguments for and against the ballot measures here.
  

Conservative evangelical leader James Dobson has resigned as chairman of Focus on the Family but will continue to play a prominent role at the organization he founded more than three decades ago...(read the full AP article)


Citizens Project's Response...

Citizens Project expressed hope today that Dr. Dobson's resignation may create an opportunity for a more inclusive and accepting approach by Focus on the Family to supporting healthy families. (read the complete press release)

 

Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee Seeks New Member
            The City of Colorado Springs seeks one citizen volunteer to fill a vacated position on the Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee (PSSTOC).  The position is for a City resident who lives in City Council District 2, the northeast quadrant of the City.  (For specific boundaries, a Council District Map can be found under "City Elections" on the City Clerk's Web page at www.SpringsGov.com.)
            The PSSTOC monitors the expenditure of the Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) funds and ensures that the items approved by voters at the November 6, 2001 election are accomplished with PSST funds. Additionally, the PSSTOC reviews the annual PSST and General Fund Preliminary Budget as submitted to City Council to ensure that the baseline funding for General Fund public safety expenditures is maintained.  Meetings typically take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. and there are other occasional meetings as necessary. 

Or, fill out the Application for Appointment to a City Board, Committee or Commission, which can be found at www.SpringsGov.com by clicking on "City Council and City Management" then "City Boards and Commissions."  (The application cannot be submitted online at this time.  Please send to the e-mail or physical address above.)  The application deadline is March 13th at 5:00pm. For questions or more information, call 385-5453.

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