Loveland Residents Urged to Support School Funding and Candidate Choices

Community members in Loveland are advocating for a bond measure to address critical maintenance needs in local schools while also voicing their electoral preferences ahead of the city council elections. The upcoming ballot includes a crucial bond measure, referred to as 5A, aimed at funding necessary repairs without raising taxes.

Residents have expressed concern about the state of aging school facilities. For instance, at Bill Reed Middle School, students recently experienced disruptions due to a leaky roof that allowed rain to drip into classrooms. The school, which has been in operation for over a century, is just one of many local educational institutions facing significant maintenance challenges. In addition to the roof issue, other schools in the district require urgent plumbing repairs, improved security measures, and upgrades to electrical systems.

The bond measure, which will appear on the ballot this fall, seeks to extend an existing bond that is set to expire. This approach is designed to generate essential funds for these repairs while ensuring that taxpayers are not burdened with increased costs. Ann Depperschmidt Baker, a Loveland resident, emphasized the importance of supporting education and the foundational role schools play in building a prosperous community. She stated, “Vote yes on 5A to fund critical needs in our schools — without raising taxes.”

In parallel to educational funding discussions, the Loveland-Berthoud Association of Realtors® (LBAR) has been actively engaging with candidates for local office. The LBAR Government Affairs Committee recently conducted interviews with nearly all candidates running for Loveland City Council and Mayor, with the exception of two. These interviews are crucial as they help the committee assess candidates’ positions on various legislative issues that impact the real estate market and the broader community.

The committee’s endorsements are significant, as they reflect a collective decision based on the candidates’ responses during the interviews. The LBAR Board of Directors has officially endorsed the following candidates:

– **Ward 1**: Geoff Frahm
– **Ward 2**: Dana Foley
– **Ward 3**: Christopher Say
– **Ward 4**: Zeke Cortez
– **Mayor**: Pat McFall

Tammy Fisher, a member of the LBAR, expressed gratitude to all candidates for their participation and wished them success in the upcoming elections.

Support for Pat McFall as a mayoral candidate has also been strongly voiced by community members. Jay Dokter, a local resident, praised McFall for his ability to unite people and his calm demeanor. Dokter highlighted McFall’s long-standing connection to Loveland and his military background as attributes that provide him with a unique perspective on community challenges. He stated, “Pat has lived in Loveland for 30 years, and he has served our country as a Marine veteran. Those experiences have given him perspective, discipline, and deep love for this community.”

As the election approaches, residents are encouraged to make informed decisions regarding both educational funding and local leadership. The outcomes of these initiatives will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Loveland, impacting everything from the condition of school facilities to the direction of local governance.