Art and culture have defined civilizations since humans first walked the earth. They are a vital part of our living together, a definition of our differences and of our commonality. They bring us a sense of community and of wonder. They are the expressions of our creativity and our humanity.

That's why so many nations, including the United States, publicly support the arts and cultural institutions such as museums, symphonies, dance companies and theaters. Many states do the same. In 1982, however, Colorado's Legislature ended direct state funding for cultural institutions. That's when our major institutions, like the zoo and the Natural History Museum, began charging admission.

By 1988, a group of residents had initiated a new plan for public funding of the arts-a 1/10th of 1 percent sales tax within the six county metropolitan area. Voters were asked if they would pay this tax in order to support their cultural institutions. They responded with an overwhelming 74% vote in favor of what became the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.

That district covers Denver, Adams, Boulder, Arapahoe, Jefferson and part of Douglas Counties. Other parts of Douglas County opted out of the district because of the sparse population. The needs have changed dramatically since then, however, as the county has become the fastest growing county in the nation. Today, a group of Douglas County citizens wants to expand the SCFD to cover the entire county in order to take advantage of financial and cultural resources it provides.

Why does the SCFD matter to any of us who live in the Denver area? For one, it supports organizations that enrich the lives of each of us, and especially of our children. Twenty-five years ago, for example, a group of us from all over the metro area started the Denver Children's Museum. We took the museum to schools and shopping centers in every county. Later, when the Museum had a permanent home, schoolchildren from all over the state visited it to learn from and enjoy its exceptional, hands-on, learning environment.

But, the Museum always struggled financially, as many such organizations do. Since its inception, the SCFD has eased that struggle enormously, providing a stable, secure income base for the Children's Museum, and, of course, for many other institutions, large and small.

But, it has done much more than that. It has enabled cultural programs to go to the schools across the expanse of the district. And, it has made it possible for residents of the entire area to enjoy the rich cultural heritage encompassed by a multitude of diverse organizations. Without the SCFD, most of the large institutions would probably survive, but the myriad of smaller, often uniquely creative, groups would not. It is the totality of these enterprises that bring the cultural richness that we so enjoy.

Last year, 7.9 million people visited the organizations supported by the SCFD. Over 1.6 million school children benefited from the programs they brought to the schools. A whopping 76% of those Douglas County residents polled recently reported that they had visited the Denver Zoo. That figure alone is enough reason for me, a 22 year resident of Douglas County, to support extending the SCFD to all of our county. Even more important is the opportunity Douglas County students could have to benefit from expanded cultural resources available to them. As a former school board member, I want these opportunities for all our kids.

Some may say that if all of Douglas County joins the SCFD, we won't get back as much money as we put in. Hooey, I say! People from all over Colorado shop at Park Meadows and the Castle Rock outlet stores, paying taxes in Douglas County even though they don't live here. When a metropolitan area grows as much as our has, there is a corresponding growth in demand for recreational and cultural opportunities. We aren't six separate entities, surviving each on our own. We are, instead, a large and complex community, expecting and using many different services from roads to symphonies. Companies that may consider relocating here look first at the educational and cultural environment their employees will be able to have. I hope that Douglas County residents will vote to join the SCFD. We will benefit; our kids will benefit, and so will this beautiful city we call home.