Governor: John Hickenlooper
Since his election in 2010, Gov. John Hickenlooper has managed to irk those who would be natural allies for a Democrat, while by turns enraging and pleasing presumed adversarial interests. And all the while he has overseen a period of growing economic prosperity while working through enduring budgetary challenges wrought with ideological polarity. He deserves re-election. Re-elect John Hickenlooper.
Attorney general: Don Quick
In Cynthia Coffman and Don Quick, the voters of Colorado face a difficult, but happy decision. This state would be well-served by either. The choice then comes down to policy and philosophy, and with that, Quick has the edge. He lists four areas to target: safe communities and schools, protecting natural resources, fighting corruption and promoting equality and civil rights. Vote for Don Quick for attorney general.
Board of Education: Henry Roman
The race between Republican incumbent Marcia Neal and her Democratic challenger Henry Roman is a contest between two longtime educators. Roman is the better choice. He would engage the board more closely with the Legislature while bills are still being crafted and wants a greater emphasis on early-childhood education. Vote for Henry Roman for the Colorado Board of Education.
State treasurer: Walker Stapleton
Stapleton has overseen positive gains in Colorado’s investment portfolio every quarter he has served. He saved money by consolidating the state’s debt, advocated a conservative approach to managing the state’s Public Employee Retirement Association and pushed for greater transparency. Vote for Walker Stapleton.
Secretary of state: Joe Neguse
Democrat Joe Neguse would use technology to expand voter access and streamline the process for active military and in rural areas. His priorities are correct; voting should be easy and welcoming. Vote for Joe Neguse.
Ballot measures
Amendment 67 would change Colorado’s Constitution to confer legal personhood on “unborn human beings” from fertilized egg on. It would ban not only all abortions – no exceptions – but also birth control methods that prevent implantation as well as emergency contraception. Vote no on Amendment 67.
Amendment 68 is a transparent attempt to use Colorado’s initiative process to benefit a single, out-of-state company. It would allow casino gambling at the Arapahoe Park horse-racing track near Denver to the detriment of existing Colorado casinos and jobs. It would put jobs at risk and clutter up Colorado’s Constitution simply to boost an East Coast company. Vote no on Amendment 68.
Proposition 104: Unless it involves national security, secrecy is the enemy of good government. There is no reason that principle should not extend to schools. Colorado Proposition 104, a statutory change, would require school board negotiations with teachers’ unions be conducted in open meetings. That public schools, spending the public’s money, should do business in public only makes sense. Vote yes on Proposition 104.
Proposition 105 would require all food sold in Colorado to carry a label if it was “produced with genetic engineering.” Consumers should be armed with information about what they are eating. Doing so on a state-by-state basis, however, is impractical and inefficient. Vote no on Proposition 105.
