I have been reflecting on rights. Specifically, how an individual property owner’s right to rent an investment property at a greatly reduced tax rate, in a town in which they do not live, could supersede my family’s right to a functioning community. 

One of the foundational building blocks of our community is the ability for our residents to live and work in the same place. It is reflected in the constellation of neighborhoods like mine, with teachers, wood workers, small business owners and nurses living on the same block. As we are experiencing firsthand, if we are to continue this legacy of working people living in our town, we must find a way to invest in it. 2A is an ideal way to achieve that. 

Have you noticed when you are at an event how the “community” — a relatively hard to define shapeless entity — becomes an honored guest in attendance? For example, “we came to this town to ski bum, but now we can never leave this community.” Or, “she found her home here in this community and never left.” This ever-present honoring of the community is unique to this place, and not to be taken for granted. 

I believe in continuing the legacy of community makers who came before me. I believe in defending my community that is not able to defend itself. I believe in my family’s right to a functioning community. I believe the investments we make in our community matter, and shape our future. That is why I will be voting yes on 2A.

Megan Moore-Kemp

Steamboat Springs