Ritter choosing to ignore the law
Gov. Bill Ritter is thumbing his nose at the law, i.e., the constitution, the part that says that a change in tax policy that results in increased taxes in any district of the state must have the approval of the voters (“School funding plan approved/Ritter gets way on tax rate freeze; GOP sees backlash,” May 2).
This is not really an issue of spending money for education or any other government program — this is an issue about choice. Who gets to choose whether property tax policy should change — the voters or the governor and the legislature?
The governor’s lawyers have come up with all sorts of “sleights of hand” and twisted interpretation of the plain language of the law. The plain truth is the voters are supposed to choose any new tax policy change and the governor would deny the voters that choice.
As a former prosecutor, one would think that the governor would uphold the law; instead, he is choosing to ignore it.
John Chavez, Westminster
Ritter is carefully using the law, not igoring it.
Laws are complex things, with more then sound-bite depth and value.
Posted by Sharon B. on May 18, 2007 04:20 AMTwo comments:
The way it is going, taxes will continue going up until we reach 100% taxation on all income.
Laws are written to be complex so we have to use an attorney and the court system to get their opinion. It is a job security thing for the legal profession.
Posted by Don Evans on May 18, 2007 08:26 AMI live in Harvey Park. This past property tax assessment lowered my property value $13000.00.
The assessment prior to that increased my home value by close to 40K.
My mortgage went up roughly $200.00 because the estimated tax burden was too low.
It’s a slap in the face that when the numbers work in the states direction they came calling, yet when the numbers work in my favor they renege?
Let’s see, we’re home rule on firearm rules and dog specific breed legislation but not marijuana possession….
We’ll tax you higher when your property rates increase but not lower when they decrease.
I have to follow simple laws yet there are enormous amounts of individuals who are not required too and are in fact granted asylum or amnesty.
My Great Grand father, my grand father, my father and I all volunteered to serve in the United States Army. We all served honorably.
I can no longer support nor encourage my son to follow in our footsteps.
I no longer feel as if I’m represented.
Traditionalists, conservatives and libertarians…. Stock up on your firearms. We’re going to need them. And they’re coming for them too.
So, fed up, they assessed the value of your house lower than last year, and because of that you are now stocking up on firearms?!? Let me tell you, a police stand-off/hostage situation will NOT increase the value of your neighborhood. It's nice to see rational people taking rational steps...and be sure to get the 30 round ammo clips so you don't waste your time (or the cops') with all that reloading. What a shining example you must be to your son.
YIKES
Posted by on May 18, 2007 10:19 AMSomeone should tell the Democrat's that "socialism is the nest step to communism" I think civil strife is on the horizon anyway with the passing of amnesty in the next couple of weeks. 70% of American people want these illegals out of this country. You KNOW amnesty is
oon it's way!! I for one will NEVER accept these Mexican invaders.
Yes, FED UP I'm stocking up on arms.
Posted by Terry on May 18, 2007 11:00 AMYikes misses the point entirely. Shocker....
The point is my family and all those like us who built this country, served honorably, obey the laws and respect other people are no longer represented in government.
The Tax issue is mild at best. It is, however, right in line with the rest of the contradictions in policy I’ve mentioned.
Oh, I got your point, all too well. And your implied threat to prove your manhood by stocking up on guns, and of course, using those guns. You big guy you!!! You are soo tuff!!! Were you pounding on your chest while you were typing, or combing your mullet? Is it the tax thing, or is it more about not being able to refil the viagra prescription? You still come across as a spoiled meathead, who, when he can't get exactly what he wants, immediately thinks about shooting a whole bunch of people. Just what we need--more people like that.
And I still say YIKES
See you on the news, nimrod.
Posted by on May 18, 2007 12:17 PMYikes indeed.
If you really feel that you are not represented, might I suggest moving to the District of Columbia. At least there your whining will be legitimate.
Posted by shaupeen on May 18, 2007 12:56 PMMore of the same LIES.
Each of the 175 of Colorado's 178 school districts affected by the new law have already voted to "De-Bruce" as required by TABOR (the law/Constitution.)
The new law changes the state law to allow those districts to keep the extra revenue that their citizens HAVE ALREADY VOTED FOR!!!!
In some cases of lwer asseements, property taxes will go down.
Posted by Republicans are repugnant liars! on May 18, 2007 03:56 PMWhere, oh where, is there an “implied threat”?
If you were able to read, or rather comprehend, you’d see that I’m only interested in protecting my family.
Why is it that the thought of protecting my family bothers you so? Why would you assume that I’m uneducated?
Why the name calling?
Why is it that it’s assumed that because I believe the only person responsible for the protection of my children you would jump to the conclusion that I think about shooting people?
I’m an educated business professional who has owned firearms since childhood. I have been professionally trained in the use of those firearms at the highest levels.
Your ignorance and assumptions are way out of line.
I pointed out contradictions in our local government. I also alluded to broader federal issues.
I believe there will eventually be a collapse of our over burdened system and will be the only one available to protect my family.
You call names and assume.
Great plan.