If we play that argument out, it's like a storm-water fee. You have to pay the fee and once you pay that fee, it's not private money, it's public money.
We need to stop that system and shut it down.
We urge a clear and strict code of ethics with sanctions so that elected officials and special interests know what lines cannot be crossed.
To interview your spouse's firm and then be part of a recommendation to council to say 'Hire this firm' -- that's going to benefit her bottom line.
This is a poison pill. It (the ban on speech payments) needs to come off and we need to address this issue in separate legislation.
The big picture of this is public money shouldn't be used to influence the outcome of a ballot campaign. And that's what happened here.
None of the data so far is shocking. We want candidates to accept them, but they are voluntary.
It's very interesting that they're moving so quickly. If they use this (justice center) as a mandate to overreach and put anything, willy-nilly forth, the voters won't be supportive.
The voters have proven to be pretty thoughtful. Some initiatives pass narrowly and some are crushed.
I just can't imagine that's the only attorney in the metro area that could serve Cherry Hills Village.