Pitkin County Judge: Healthy Community Fund Is 'Lifeblood' — Vote Yes on 1A

Pitkin County Judge Erin Fernandez-Ely, who has served on the bench for 21 years, is calling on voters to support ballot measure 1A, which would provide funding for the Healthy Community Fund. In a letter to the Aspen Daily News, Fernandez-Ely described the fund as the 'lifeblood' of the county's health and human services, underscoring its critical role in supporting vulnerable residents.

The Healthy Community Fund has historically financed a range of local programs, from mental health services to food assistance, but its future depends on voter approval of 1A. Fernandez-Ely's endorsement carries weight given her long tenure and direct exposure to the social issues affecting the county. 'As the county judge in Pitkin County for 21 years, I discovered that the Healthy Community Fund is the lifeblood...' she wrote, emphasizing the fund's impact on the community.

If approved, measure 1A would secure dedicated funding for the Healthy Community Fund, likely through a property tax or sales tax increase. The vote comes amid broader debates about local government spending and public health priorities. Supporters argue the fund is essential for maintaining a safety net, while opponents may question the tax burden. The election outcome will have lasting implications for Pitkin County's ability to address health and social challenges.