Letters To The Editor October ’24
Rank Smell Of Prop. 131
Folks, I continue to be amazed that rich people always know what’s best for us, particularly in the electoral process.
Several years ago, a very rich man decided that our caucus system favored the extremes in both the Democratic and Republican parties’ nomination process. So, he proposed to eliminate the caucus system but retained the Democratic/Republican primary ballot. It failed miserably.
Now another very, very rich man is proposing to eliminate the Democratic/Republican primary ballot in Colorado and have all voters receive the same primary election ballot. Not only that, but the general election ballot would contain the top four vote-getters for each office from the primary ballot. And our vote would rank those candidates and the computer would choose the winner. It, too, should fail.
I am going to vote NO on Proposition 131 and I encourage you to do so for these several reasons:
1. Money will rule the day. A candidate’s platform would take a back seat to the candidate with the most money.
2. It will take time to learn the winner. For instance, in Alaska it took two weeks before winners were announced.
3. It’s expensive. County clerks would be required to update their systems to accommodate rank choice voting procedures. They will incur this cost. Some estimate the cost would be more than $20 million in the first few years.
4. These very rich men propose, without evidence (where have you have heard that phrase before?), that more moderate candidates will emerge. Can you name more than one Colorado elected office who is not moderate?
Frank Sullivan, Park Hill
Say No To The Fur Ban
Denver voters have a lot to think about as they cast ballots this year. There’s one issue — Measure 308, the ban on fur products — that I hope voters really take the time to understand and consider its reach and unintended consequences.
Placed on the ballot by an out-of-state group funded by secret donors called Pro Animal Future (PAF), the proposal would ban the manufacture, distribution, display, sale or trade of animal fur products in Denver.
Among other things, this would include fishing flies tied with natural materials, cowboy hats, and products displayed and sold at Denver Indian Market and the March Powwow.
One of Denver’s iconic and historic events, the National Western Stock Show, would be impacted – as many as 20 percent of all the vendors who sell their products every January during a tradition enjoyed by Denverites for generations would have to stop selling goods. That would cost the city millions.
I urge voters to check out the website handsoffmyhat.com to learn more about the proposed ban and to think about the broader implications to the Native American community and to our small businesses if this passes. This ideological ban simply goes too far and doesn’t fit with Denver’s values and heritage.
Join me in voting no on Measure 308 in Denver this fall. Thank you.
Peggi O’Keefe, Park Hill
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