A Quick Review of Election 2011

The bad economy and anger with government will frame Tuesday’s election. Local measures tend to be dominated by local factors, but any proposal that raises taxes, increases costs or negatively affect jobs, faces a more difficult environment. That is especially true for the statewide initiative.

Proposition 103
Both sides of the statewide tax increase contest have had little money for the campaign. The general assumption is a tax increase in this economy will lose. Senator Rollie Heath, Boulder’s most recognizable liberal leader, is attempting to grow state revenue in an era dominated by talk of cutting government. The larger the loss, the less likely there will be an effort to address Colorado’s well-documented structural deficit.

Governor Hickenlooper and much of the establishment have neither endorsed Proposition 103 nor opposed it. But, the economy is likely to sink it, along with a low turnout of mostly more anti-government voters.

Boulder Power Municipalization
The municipal takeover of Xcel Boulder power system is unprecedented in a major city, especially solely for the environmental value of alternative energy.

It represents a significant assumption of debt for the city with risk of increased rates.

The result is being watched around the country.

Frazier vs. Hogan
Aurora finally has a real mayor’s election. After decades of dominance by the Tauer family (Paul and Ed), the 2011 mayor’s race has all the elements of a top level Colorado election – a lot of money, negative ads and it appears close. Ryan Frazier, councilman and recent congressional candidate, has the advantage, but Steve Hogan claims to have closed the gap.

Initiative 300
Even in liberal Denver, Initiative 300, guaranteeing sick days for employees, has run up against concern for the cost to small businesses and the negative affect it could have in attracting new jobs.

The Mayor and Governor oppose it; the Denver City Council is divided.

See articles:
9News – Ballot issues could cost big money
Stateline.org – Colo. Ballot measure to test voters’ willingness to raise taxes