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Montrose County
Ending “Taxation Without Representation” in Montrose
One of the reasons I am running for City Council is to bring fairness back to Montrose's governance. A cornerstone of my campaign is addressing a glaring injustice: “Taxation Without Representation”. This principle, rooted in America's founding, demands that citizens who pay taxes have a say in how they're governed. Yet in Montrose, many are denied this right.
The slogan "no taxation without representation" fueled the American Revolution. Colonists protested British taxes like the Stamp Act and Sugar Act, imposed without their input in Parliament. As James Otis argued in 1764, “No British subject could be taxed without consent through representatives.” This idea echoed in the Declaration of Rights and Grievances, asserting taxes must come with personal or representative consent. Today, it persists in places like Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, where residents pay federal taxes but lack voting representation in Congress.
In Montrose, business owners who live in Montrose County operating within city limits cannot currently vote in municipal elections. Similarly, those outside the city paying the Recreation District Tax, fund services without a voice. This is fundamentally unfair, mirroring colonial grievances on a local scale.
Colorado law offers precedents for inclusion. House Bill 18-1181 expanded special district voting to non-resident property owners if districts allow it, recognizing their stake. Mountain Village, in Telluride, incorporated this in 1995, letting non-residents vote in local elections. Montrose's City Charter currently limits voting to residents of the city. But charters can be amended, as seen in past Montrose updates for election procedures.
The real question is, why has this common sense and fundamentally fair solution not been proposed before?
If elected, I will champion a charter amendment granting these citizens voting rights in Montrose’ municipal elections. Fairness requires it: contributors deserve representation. This isn't radical; It is Common-Sense; It is American. Colorado's framework supports it, and precedents show it is simply the right thing to do.
Just one man’s humble opinion.
Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”
Michael is a father of 5, grandfather of 3, USAF Veteran, recording artist, entrepreneur, Editor of USA Liberty Report, passionate about Freedom, Liberty, the founders’ genius of the Constitution and current Candidate for Montrose City Council.
