Here's our stance on questions, candidates

Finally, the day is here. Voters across Greeley, Weld County and northern Colorado today have the opportunity -- make that obligation -- to have a say in their local politics. In many respects, these odd-year elections impact our day-to-day lives more than the even-year elections, which seem to attract more attention and interest.

Voter turnout today likely will be low.

But there's still time. If you don't have plans to vote, find time in your day to stop at a polling site. It is an opportunity to participate in democracy. We should never take that for granted.

In the past month, we've offered our views on the various races. Here is a recap:

» In the Greeley mayoral race, we offer a guarded endorsement of political newcomer Ed Clark over incumbent Tom Selders. Both have strengths and weaknesses, and both care deeply about the future of our city. But we think change and stronger leadership are needed on the city council, and we think Clark is the best candidate for the job.

» Three seats are up for grabs on the Greeley City Council, and we endorse Denise Hall in Ward I, Pam Shaddock in Ward IV and Maria Secrest for the at-large spot. Hall and Secrest impressed us with their grasp of the issues and, as newcomers, also will bring a fresh perspective to the council. Shaddock is an incumbent and has been a strong, articulate leader.

» We support the proposal to extend term limits for several Weld County officials to three terms instead of two. The term limits apply to the assessor, clerk and recorder, sheriff, county commissioners, county council members and the district attorney. It is foolish to force strong elected officials out of office after serving eight years. And if voters don't like a certain official, there is another way to limit his or her term to two terms, or even one: Vote the official out of office.

» We oppose Greeley initiated Ballot Question 200. It would prohibit the city of Greeley from deducting union dues from employees' paychecks, and we think it is a solution in search of a nonexistent problem. It's not an issue of cost, because the city already withholds for a number of other reasons, including such things as United Way deductions. That argument falls flat.

» Greeley ballot issue 2A would raise the city's sales tax rate by 0.54 percent, which would raise an estimated $6.9 million annually. The money would be used for road maintenance and street improvement projects. The city needs to do a better job of explaining why the need is so crucial. We believe in maintaining city streets, but we think the city needs to do a better job of budgeting for such expenditures -- or explaining why it can't -- which is why we oppose 2A.

» The city also is proposing a 0.25 percent sales tax increase in ballot issue 2B, with the money targeted for improvements to the city's mass transit system. We think the money will provide more routes and more efficient operations, which should include ridership. And the tax will free up almost $800,000 annually in the city's general fund, which can be used for other things (street repairs, perhaps?). For that reason, we support 2B.

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Those are the elements that highlight today's budget in Greeley and Weld. Several small towns in northern Colorado also have important questions, ranging from school bond issues in Windsor and Eaton, to a city council election in Fort Lupton to a TABOR waiver for the Pawnee Fire Protection District near Grover.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. today.

Where to vote

«For a list of polling places, see Page A4.