Truth Watch: Campaign Ad Attacks Skorman

A campaign attack ad in the race to be the first strong mayor of Colorado Springs is labeling Richard Skorman a tax and spend liberal.

The voice over on the political ad says, “Skorman has been a long time advocate for higher taxes. Higher sales taxes and higher property taxes that would hurt our economy.”

This is true, but misleading. Any new or increased taxes in Colorado Springs must be approved by the voters.

The newspaper stories cited do report that Skorman pushed for a tax to pay for road and safety projects, which was recommended by a citizen’s commission.

He also backed a one cent tax to preserve trails and open space – the TOPS initiative was approved by the voters.

In another article, Skorman said he’d support a new mil levy to help pay for services that have been cut – such as cuts to parks.

However, in the same article he also said he wants to get rid of a tax on businesses – the business personal property tax, and he said he wants the city to pay private businesses more for collecting sales taxes for the city. The attack ad does not mention either of thos, which are arguably conservative stances.

The ad continues: “Or maybe it’s Skorman’s liberal spending policies, recommending salary increases for politicians and bureaucrats.”

This is also true, but misleading.

In 2004, Skorman supported pay raises for city employees, along with the mayor and city council – some conservatives on council also supported the raises. Voters shot down the raises for the mayor and council.