CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO

RESOLUTION NO. 126-06

 

A RESOLUTION OPPOSING AMENDMENT 38, THE STATE WIDE BALLOT MEASURE TO AMEND THE PETITIONING PROCESS FOR INITIATIVES AND REFERENDA

 

RECITALS.

 

An initiated constitutional amendment, Amendment 38 to the Colorado Constitution, has been certified for consideration by the voters of the State of Colorado at the November 7, 2006 election.

 

Amendment 38 proposes to supersede and overrule all conflicting provisions of the Colorado Constitution, Colorado Statutes and the City Charter and ordinances in order to implement a new petitioning process in Colorado.

 

Amendment 38 proposes to reduce the number of signatures required for a measure to go to a vote of the electorate; it requires that all petitioned questions be voted on at a November election thereby prohibiting such issues to be placed on Grand Junction’s regular municipal election in April and it prohibits the City Council from scheduling any special election on an initiative or referendum in months other than November as currently allowed by the City Charter. Further, the amendment will delay the enactment of any ordinances an additional two months thereby restricting the City’s ability to act promptly to protect and meet the needs to the citizens.

 

Amendment 38 forces taxpayers to pay the cost of printing petitions and for the cost of distributing the proponents’ political statement on initiated measures.

 

Amendment 38 will also prohibit government employees from discussing the measure or answering questions on the ballot issue. Any alleged violation of that limitation can result in the employee paying for their own defense and if found in violation, causing a penalty up to three times the amount expended to be paid to the State treasury.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Grand Junction does hereby oppose Amendment 38 and urge the defeat of such amendment for the reasons stated.

 

Further, the City Council urges all City voters to consider the severe impacts Amendment 38 will have on the government‘s ability to provide for the needs of the citizens and to protect them from needless expense in providing petitions for frivolous measures, special elections and delays in the enactment of laws.

 

Dated this 4th Day of October, 2006

 

                         /s/ James J. Doody      

                         President of the Council

ATTEST:

 

 

/s/ Stephanie Tuin      

City Clerk