Another election is pretty much in the bag and while there is at least one race undecided, winners and losers have mostly been determined. Analysis does show perhaps a few disappointing outcomes but all-in-all, statewide and local outcomes were satisfactory.
Colorado Amendment 66: The billion dollar a year tax hike backed by unions, out of state interests and Gov. John Hickenlooper went down in flames. Voters once again demonstrated that they have no stomach for throwing good money after bad in an attempt to fix a broken education system without truly meaningful reform. The outcome on this measure coupled with the high profile school board elections across the state should put liberals and unions on notice that parents expect more from the education system. Sadly they won’t get it.
Colorado Proposition AA: I ignored this issue leading up to the election. Quite frankly I abhor the fact that Coloradans approved the so-called legalization of marijuana two years ago. Increasing access to illegal drugs and then screaming NIMBY when these places setup shop in your neighborhood shows how ignorant voters can be. As for this tax, I am fine with it although I would have made it much, much higher.
Thornton City Council: Retreads Mack Goodman (Ward I) and Val Vigil (Ward II) were reelected, a very un-noteworthy accomplishment since they ran opposed. Sam Nizam will be taking the seat in Ward III, largely because he essentially had no opponent beyond a write-in candidate who didn’t campaign. In Ward IV, Jan Kulmann delivered a massive slap down of union-backed Adam Matkowsky and will replace Randy Drennen on the dais. Kulmann will provide a much-needed counter to the leftists on council and Matkowsky can now feel free to move on to whatever his next job / location will be.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education: Rico Figueroa will retain the district 4 seat after union-backed Amy Speers was booted off the ballot due to her illegal entry into the race. The race for School Director District No. 3 is still up in the air with Kathy Plomer currently leading Debbie Christensen by 784 votes. However, Adams County reports that there are 8,000 ballots left to count so there is still a glimmer of hope that Christensen can knock off union patsy Plomer.
Thornton Ballot Issue 2B: Voters approved an extension of the open space / parks and rec tax. This is good news for the community.
Thornton Ballot Issue 2C: Once again voters knocked down self-serving politicians’ desire to have a ‘seat for life’ on city council. Council term limits will stay at two terms as they should. Future councilmembers would do well to remember this is the second time we have told them no – don’t try again.
Thornton Ballot Issue 2D: One young, noisy Thornton resident thankfully failed to get his way and age limits for city council will remain as-is.
Thornton Ballot Issue 2E: Voters went ahead and bailed out council and their inability to perform their job under previous provisions of the city charter in the event of a mayoral vacancy. With this measure passed, the battles for Mayor Pro Tem are going to become highly contentious and should a vacancy occur, council will be one person short of a full body until the next election cycle.
Thornton Ballot Issue 2F: The commonsense measure to handle continuity of government in the event of a disaster passed with ease.
Thornton Ballot Issue 2G: Unions were given more members within the fire department ranks by the voters due to the expansion of the definition of ‘fire fighter.’ This is disappointing. Voters don’t often understand the repercussions of issues like this unless they do some research.
Note: As mentioned above, Adams County still has thousands of votes left to count. The conclusions reached above on the local races are based on tallies as of Wednesday morning and while any of the outcomes could change as the balance of ballots are counted, it seems unlikely (other than the one school board race). It is disappointing that yet again our clerk and recorder has failed to provide timely results from an election.
On the net: Adams County election results
