Rally held Tuesday for Measure 2C

Supporters of a plan to increase the city sales tax to raise money for street improvements gathered Tuesday outside Colorado Springs City Hall.

Among the proponents was Mayor John Suthers, who has pushed for Measure 2C since taking office earlier this year.

The rally was sponsored by Springs Citizens Building the Future. Members held yellow signs promoting the plan and listened to brief speeches from Suthers and other leaders.

Suthers said the five-year plan will raise $250 million for street and road improvements above what normal budget amounts would pay for. He insisted the money will be used only for streets and roads.

Councilwoman Helen Collins was present at the rally and continued her opposition to the plan.

“We don’t need new taxes,” she said. “What we need is better accountability of the money we already spend.”

The group also supports Measure 2D, which asks voters to approve using a $2 million state tax refund to repair trails in parks and open spaces.