Opposition to sales tax plan includes Douglas Bruce

Former state lawmaker and county commissioner Douglas Bruce said he’s not seeking a return to office but still wants a debate with Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers.

Bruce is opposed to Suther’s plan to raise the city’s sales tax, a proposal that voters will consider in November. The increase is designed to generate $250 million over five years for much-needed street and road improvements.

“I’ve invited him to debate me,” Bruce said. “I think you need to ask the mayor if he will debate. Does he really not believe in this issue enough to be able to defend it in public? Why not?”

On Tuesday, Suthers said he won’t have a debate with Bruce.

“The problem is Mr. Bruce has shown himself repeatedly not to be civil and respectful in a debate,” Suthers said.

Bruce accuses city leaders of failing to honor promises about how money from previous tax increases was spent. He also believes the ballot language is too vague and allows the city to spend the money on other needs.

“The city created this pothole crisis to pressure us into voting for the largest tax increase in city or state history,” Bruce said.

Suthers disputes the claims.

“The public can be absolutely assured that every dime raised by the tax will go only into road improvements which include sidewalks, curbs and gutters,” he said. “As for the ballot language, it’s very explicit. It was a law passed by (Bruce) that caused us to have to put it in 30 words.”

Suthers said about half of the construction costs will involve repaving, with sidewalks and related infrastructure comprising the other half.

Bruce responded to whether his recent past, which includes controversies, legal trouble and a short prison sentence, would damage support for his opposition to the tax plan.

“It doesn’t matter whether people like me,” he said. “I’m not asking anyone to invite me over for dinner. I’m asking people to vote against this.”

Bruce plans to distribute flyers listing various reasons for voters to be skeptical of the plan, to be labeled “Question 2C” on the ballot. He asks people to visit his website http://raisetaxesagain.com for more information.

Suthers said he’s not worried.

“This is the kind of thing opponents will talk about to divert the public,” he said.