I am an experienced, competent and successful individual from the private and public sectors. Previously, I have started and/or owned part or all of four successful businesses. One of them was a major international entity in its market sector, listed on a stock exchange. This company has created jobs for more than 1,500 people in the hospital sector, operating in the United States, Canada, Australia and France.

I am a third generation resident of Colorado. My paternal grandfather emigrated from Bern, Switzerland, in the 1890s, crossed the Atlantic, traveling in executive quarters, and entering the country by seeking permission at Ellis Island.

They then went to Leadville and made their fortune in mining. They wisely left and purchased land in southwest Missouri; then he brought the rest of the family from Berne.

They prospered until the Great Depression. Unable to raise sufficient funds through the efforts of their labor, they lost their land except for a quarter section (160 acres) to the county assessor and tax collector and moved to Grand Junction for five years to share the strawberry harvest.

I grew up in Great Falls, Virginia, and upon returning from service in Vietnam, I completed my education and then began my journey back to my family roots in Colorado.

I have served several institutions of higher education over the past 40 years as an assistant professor of business, economics and management, while also working in the private sector, creating jobs for others and paying “ my fair share” of taxes into the government coffers.

Refer to Bacher4Summit.com for the “rest of the story.”

Priority #1: Property taxes

The past and current generation of county commissioners have failed to respond to opportunities to mitigate the onerous property tax increases that have occurred due to the Democratic Party’s successful support of repeal of the Gallagher Amendment in 2020 If Gallagher had not been repealed, the tax increase would have been limited to 4% – not the mind-boggling property tax surprises in 2023. My own property taxes have increased by more than 50% compared to this. to the previous assessment period.

In my opinion, the “left party” knew that the valuations were going to happen massively and did not want to miss out on exploiting the “pockets of the people” to fill the country’s coffers.

Current commissioners failed to take advantage of an opportunity to reduce the factory tax last year that Gov. Jared Polis’ administration authorized.

I will advocate reversing the increases through measures that circumvent state-imposed limitations. The goal is a tax break of at least 20 percent for all county residents who own their own property. Also increase the “senior citizens” property tax credit from 50% of $200,000 of the actual value of the principal residence to 100% of $200,000 as well as for disabled veterans.

Priority #2: Review short-term rental licenses

As currently structured, these measures are ineffective and costly, despite what should be common sense. These led to “unintended consequences” and undermined citizens’ property rights. County commissioners and their advisors have erred by limiting the number of days and nights, imposing onerous fees and taxes, heavy oversight, “zoning overlays” and arbitrarily and capriciously imposing regulations/rules during choice of winners and losers. .

I have in my possession a copy of a December 10, 2021 letter from the Town of Breckenridge to the County Commissioners requesting that the recent resort zone overlay for Peak 7 be replaced with a neighborhood designation. The letter was signed by the mayor at the time, Eric Mamula. In doing so, the County Commissioner’s action created a situation that, in my opinion, depressed the market value of the Peak 7 area.

I believe this was so the city could acquire properties at a lower cost for fee housing.

Priority #3: Review and rationalize planning and zoning

In consultation with planning and zoning officials, I would revise building codes to promote a cost-effective and timely review and approval process. Emphasis is placed on the construction of private residences with accessory dwelling unit options and emphasis is placed on multiple use for any new commercial development to include additional housing availability, in both case to alleviate the persistent housing shortage.

If you are tired of the same results, higher taxes, and further restrictions on your personal freedoms, I ask you to vote. For more information, please visit Bacher4Summit.com.

Allen Bacher is a Republican Party candidate for the Summit Board of County Commissioners District 1. He can be reached at [email protected].