Well, tax day 2018 has just passed. It is never fun to pay out my hard-earned funds. There are never enough funds to accomplish all that I want, much less “share” it with government and special districts and every agency that gets a share of my funds.

And yet, I get to share in the benefits that my local income and property taxes provide whether directly or indirectly. I think the Cortez Rec Center is a wonderful resource, and it makes my community a better place for everyone. This is just one example of a tax better shared with everyone, like good roads and a strong police force and good schools. While the paying of taxes isn’t fun, I applaud strong community efforts that make life better for everyone better.

The High Desert Conservation District and the Mancos Conservation district are examples of a public good that we all benefit from, no matter if we directly receive help or not. Our land and green resources here in Montezuma county are one of our greatest assets, for our farming and ranching heritage, our emerging garden market culture, our love of the outdoors and our tourism economy. I will vote “yes” for a mill levy for the High Desert Conservation District and I hope everyone getting a mail-in ballot will do the same.

We are stronger as a community when we support strong local programs that directly impact our lives.

Robby Henes

Dolores