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Aspen Public Radio's news coverage, interviews and public forums on the issues and the candidates of the 2016 elections in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Want to learn about everything that will be on your ballot this election? Click here.

Supporters meet in favor of Wheeler tax extension

Patrick Fort
/
Aspen Public Radio

Supporters of an extension to the Wheeler Real Estate Transfer Tax met last night at the Wheeler Opera House to discuss how voters can spread awareness about the ballot item.

This November, voters will decided whether or not to extend a half-percent tax on real estate purchases that goes into a fund for city-owned Wheeler Opera House.

In August, Aspen City Council expanded the venue’s budget so that higher profile names could be brought in.

“The real estate transfer tax pays for 85 percent of what the Wheeler does,” said Wheeler Opera House executive director Gena Buhler in August. “Probably 15 percent of people who vote pay taxes in Aspen have even actually paid this tax.”

Patrick Fort grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, nurturing a love for ice hockey and deli sandwiches. After moving to Colorado in 2010 to attend the University of Colorado to study music, Patrick discovered his love for journalism. In 2013, Patrick created and hosted the award-winning radio program Colorado Stories, a news program that covered CU and the surrounding community. An avid mountain and road cyclist, Patrick also referees youth ice hockey. He loves '60s pop bands and and trying new recipes ranging from milk-braised carnitas to flourless cakes.
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